Joseph Jerald Ripp

Joseph Jerald Ripp, affectionately known as Jerry and Joe, passed away peacefully at his home in Woodland, WA, on September 26, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on September 8, 1953, in Vancouver, WA, Joseph grew up in Woodland, where he graduated from Woodland High School in 1972.

During high school so he could play sports, he lived and worked on his Aunt Betty and Uncle Lester's farm on the Woodland bottoms before working with his father, Joe Ripp, and his father's twin brother, Jim Ripp, at Pacific Wood Treating Plant in Ridgefield, WA. In 1974, Joseph enlisted in the Army, beginning a distinguished military career that would span over 20 years.

Joseph retired from the Army as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) in 1993. During his service, he was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency as a Communications Expert in Thailand and Korea, where he also served as a Military Policeman. It was during his second time in Korea that he met his wife, Julie. He later served at Fort Riley in Kansas as a communications expert, was stationed back at Fort Lewis, and then assigned to Ft. Gordon in Georgia as a communications instructor. Eventually, he returned to Fort Lewis, where he concluded his military career.

After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Joseph and his wife, Julie, moved to Seattle, where they owned a successful dry cleaning and laundromat business while raising their two daughters. Upon retiring from the business, Joseph moved back to Woodland to be closer to his family and friends.

Joseph was a member of the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon and was a part owner of a Vietnam-era Jeep with his brother, Dennis, and brother-in-law, Danny. He enjoyed attending parades and various events with them.

He also cherished spending time with multiple family members at his gold mine in Alaska, where he loved mining for gold and fishing. Joseph would come home on leave during hunting season and treasure these adventures with his family and friends.

He is survived by his siblings, Nancy Ripp-Darnell, Kathy Ripp, Janice Ripp, Dennis Ripp and brother-in-law Danny Darnell. His wife, Julie Ripp; two daughters, Wendy and Lana; two grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory and the countless moments they shared together. He was preceded in death by Sister Norma Ripp-Hammons and brother-in-law Loma Hammons.

A vigil will be held at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, located at 430 Bozarth Ave, Woodland, WA 98674, on Tuesday, October 8th, at 6:30 PM. A memorial service will take place the following day on Wednesday, October 9th, at 11 AM at St. Mary's Guadalupe Catholic Church in Ridgefield, WA. The service will include full military honors, followed by a reception after the service and graveside.

Joseph Jerald Ripp leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.