ALBERT "AL" S RIIPPI

Albert Samuel Riippi, 96, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing.

He was born October 31, 1926, in DeKalb, Illinois, the son of Carl and Lempi (Hendrickson) Riippi. Albert married Norma Jean Moyer on December 27, 1953, in Sterling, Illinois.

Albert was a 1944 graduate of DeKalb Township High School. He received his associated degree in applied science fire and safety technology from Kishwaukee college. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, aboard the U.S.S. Columbia CL-56 a Light Cruiser in the South Pacific, Seaman first class rank. He served proudly with honor and commitment as the bosun on the Columbia during his navel service. Over the years, he enjoyed re-connecting with his fellow shipmates and numerous reunions in cities throughout our great country. He stayed true to the Greatest Generation values of personal responsibility, duty, honor & faith while working to make their lives and those of their families better.

Albert worked for his father at Glidden and Riippi Cheese & Buttermilk Co., construction Altoff Foundry, Hallgren Lumber Co, City of DeKalb Police Department, later transferring to DeKalb Fire Department where he retired after 30 years of service, spending 8 years as chief.  Albert was a life member of International Association of Fire Chiefs, Illinois Association of Retired Fire Fighters, U.S.S. Columbia CL-56 Association,  American Legion Post #66, V.F.W. DeKalb Post 2287, First United Methodist Church in DeKalb, and was confirmed at Finnish Lutheran Church in DeKalb. Albert enjoyed playing football, he played for DeKalb Township High School, Northern Illinois Teachers College 1944 all conference tackle a proud undefeated season and part of 1946 season when the war was over, 1947 Aurora Clippers most valuable defensive player, 1952 tried out with Green Bay Packers and pulled achilles tendon, and lastly in 1953 for the Rockford Eagles to finish out his football career.

He is survived by his children, Lynn Riippi Lakewood, CO, Lisa Rosel Littleton, CO and Steven (Mary) Riippi DeKalb, IL; grandchildren, Courtney Riippi of Russell, IA, Kelly (Zachary Sronce) Riippi Lakewood, CO, Ryan Rosel Littleton, CO, Jessica Riippi Sycamore, IL, Charlie (Katelynn) Crum Rochelle, IL; great-grandchildren, Kylar Hayden Lakewood, CO, Breelynn Crum Rochelle, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma Jean Riippi; brothers, Reuben, Edwin (Skinny) and Reino; sisters, Irene Schwarze, Eileen Martin; Stepmother, Tynne Riippi.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak Street, DeKalb, with the Rev. Jonathan Crail officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb, with Full Military Honors by DeKalb American Legion Post 66.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, 2011 S 4th St, DeKalb, IL 60115. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Riippi Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

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