Edward M. Ripplinger, 69, of Harlow, ND,  died Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Carrington Health Center in Carrington, ND.  Public visitation will be Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 4 to 7pm at the  Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.  A private funeral and with burial at Our Savior's Cemetery in Harlow will take place at a later date.

Edward Michael Ripplinger was born April 4th, 1942, at Rugby, ND to John C. and Marie Eva (Gisi) Ripplinger.  At five years of age the family moved to Butte Valley Township near Harlow, ND.  Ed attended grade school in Harlow and graduated from the Leeds High School in 1960.  He worked at West Go in Fargo for a time as a welder and trouble shooter.  Ed then farmed in Butte Valley Township from 1962 until his retirement in 2002. He also trucked livestock for area farmers.  Ed married Diane Lane Britsch on February 14, 1968 at Leeds.

Ed served as a Benson County Commissioner, Deputy Sheriff and was a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard for twelve years.  He had been a member of the Masons and was a life member of the Elks.  His hobbies included horses, Rendezvous and playing the accordion.  He was an avid Trail Rider with his horses Henry, Tily, Sandy and Bertha.

Surviving are his wife:  Diane of Harlow;  four daughters:  Robin (Lynn) Arnold of Esmond,  Susan (Jeff) Hawn of Harlow,  Faye (Ed) Nystrom of New Rockford and Amanda (Derek) Johnson of Minnewaukan;  seven grandchildren:  Zach & Jessica Johnson,  Savana, Allysa & Justin Nystrom,  Jacob & Andrea Arnold;  his mother:  Marie Ripplinger of Devils Lake and a brother:  Donald (Connie) Ripplinger of Devils Lake.  He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.



Condolences:

Diane and Family,  Our sympathy to all of you.  I have so many memories of Ed and the many trips out to the farm with my dad.  There was never a dull moment out there!  I hope that your memories will give you comfort during this difficult time.Kaye Nelsen



Robin and families,  sorry about your loss - my prayers are with you.   PAL



The Alveshere Family mourns the loss of a friend, classmate, teammate, neighbor. Ed was patriotic, an entrepreneur, generous, & the good humor man. He pulled our parent's car out of a snowbank & loaned his roller skates.  We enjoyed attending his horse sales.



Sorry to hear about Ed passing away. Dwain enjoyed serving as a fellow county commissioner with him. I know he will also be missed by Joe Hafner at the nursing home where they played cards together. You are in our thoughts. Connie Brown



Diane and family, We were so very sad to hear of Ed's passing.  We loved hearing his stories and hope you know how many of them were about his beloved family.  His eyes used to just light up when he would talk about all of you.  Our deepest sympathies.  Barry, Holly and Adam Mawby



Deepest sympathy to the family of Ed.  It is never easy, regardless of the situation . Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time May he rest in peace. Edith Ripplinger



So Sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with you. Mary Ann Blick(Buchta)


Deepest Sympathy from Darrell and Rose --- with fond memories of all the laughter we all shared playing cards and riding horses