A man who lived his life with heartfelt passion, Claude L. Ripplinger met his Lord on May 16, 2018, at the age of 71.  With a lion-hearted mettle, Claude battled cancer with unwavering faith in God's wisdom and plan.  Claude was born on June 21, 1946 to John and Isabelle (Hoffner) Ripplinger.

A native of Harvey, ND, Claude learned the value of hard work and devotion growing up and working on the family farm. After moving to town in 1958, young Claude delivered newspapers and enjoyed a successful leatherworks business as he crafted and tooled an array of products.

One eventful summer at age 17, Claude encountered the love of his life, Vicki Neumiller, at the Wells County Fair. Little did he know then, he would share 50 years of marriage with his soulmate.  After graduating in 1965, Claude entered the North Dakota National Guard in which he served as a cook at first the mess hall and then the officers mess hall.

After a summer of training, he moved to Carrington, ND where he worked several years delivering gas to area farmers for the Farmers Union Oil, Co. During this time, Claude married his sweetheart Vicki, and together, they raised two children, Nicole and Chad.

Always eager for a new challenge, Claude and Vicki began their venture as supper club owners upon purchasing the Fireside Inn, near Carrington in 1976. Claude loved the art of cooking and continued to explore and perfect his craft to the end of his days.  As a bar owner, he reveled in entertaining customers with live music, delicious food and drink, and developing friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Returning to his roots in Harvey, Claude moved his family and began a new exploit at Ripplinger Motors learning the car business and working with his father JB Ripplinger until later becoming owner himself.  Throughout his life as both a business leader and community member, Claude strongly believed that the strength and prosperity of a town lies in its willingness and faithful effort to support and serve one another.

Claude was a member of the American Legion, Wells Eagles Aerie 3080, an active parishioner of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church where he served upon the finance council, all of Harvey, and he held terms as president of both the Carrington and Harvey Country Clubs.

Always discovering new interests, Claude pursued various hobbies and passions throughout his life including archery, snowmobiling, bowling, golfing, building and flying RC planes, and boating.  He delighted in his backyard and its many birds, perfecting his lush lawn, crafting wine and golf clubs, and following his favorite NASCAR drivers.

Above all, Claude loved and respected the Lord and treasured his family.  Claude brandished an unfaltering passion for life until his last breath.

Claude is survived by his wife Vicki, and their children, daughter, Nicole (Bryan) Armstrong of Harvey; son, Chad (Heather) Ripplinger of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren, Tyler Rygg, Isabella Armstrong, and Ava, Nora and Georgia Ripplinger; father, John (JB) Ripplinger and his wife Virginia of Harvey; brothers, Leon (Carol) Ripplinger of Kelseyville, CA; Monte (Diane) Ripplinger of Rogers, MN; Virginia's children, Claudette (Tony) Selzler, Calvin Ziegler, Carey Ziegler, Carlyn (John) Dakutak, Connie Ziegler and Clarae Ziegler; numerous nieces and nephews.

Claude was preceded in death by his mother Isabelle.

Funeral Mass will be Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey, ND.  Burial will follow in the St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a rosary prayer service at 7 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey, ND.

Arrangements with Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND.