Mar 10, 1924 – Nov 8, 2018

With sadness, we announce the death of Fr. Stephen Ripplinger on Nov. 8, 2018. Fr. Steve was born on March 10, 1924 to Stephan & Catherine Ripplinger on a farm 1 mile south of Kendal, SK. Fr. Steve is survived by his siblings: Bernie Ripplinger (Angie), Edwin Ripplinger (Donna) &Bernadette Agi; brother-in-law Walter Rog, sister-in-law Clementine Ripplinger as well as many nieces nephews and friends. As well, Father Steve leaves to mourn Joan – the other half of the “team” – who worked with Father in Moose Jaw at Church of our Lady and Sacred Heart Parish in Davidson. For 45 years Joan wore many hats: parish worker, secretary, liturgist, confidante, companion and caregiver. Father Steve spent three years in the army in the Ordinance Corps in Montreal, working in the dock yards loading ships carrying war supplies to USSR ports.

After the war, Fr. Steve entered St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton for three years and then four years in Regina Cleri Seminary. Fr. Steve was ordained in 1953 as one member of the largest ordination class ever in the Archdiocese of Regina. After various early postings, he became pastor of Ceylon and the missions of Tribune and Trossachs, where he was for 15 years. Following this, Fr. Steve was co-pastor at Little Flower Parish in Regina. In 1971 -72, Father obtained his Master’s degree in “Pastoral Counselling” from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa and he was often sought out by individuals and families for help. On Aug. 1, 1972, Fr. Steve was appointed Pastor of Church of our Lady in Moose Jaw, where he served for 16 years. In July 1988, Father was transferred to Davidson parish for eight years. Throughout his 60 years of pastoring, Fr. Steve was always involved in the community in which he lived; he promoted and supported the C.W.L. in his parishes, was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and the Legion. Fr. Steve was an enthusiastic sportsman and outdoors man – belonging to wildlife groups and receiving numerous trophies for fishing, hunting, bowling and curling and became quite a good taxidermist and painter. Fr. Steve retired as a parish priest in 1996 and moved out to his cabin at Diefenbaker Lake. He then served the mission of Davidson at Elbow until he was 90 years old. Throughout his years of priesting, Fr. Steve was a “people” person. He treated everyone equally, no matter their status, making all feel welcome and important. Because of this, people have loved him and remembered him. Prayers were held on Wednesday Nov. 14, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. and the Mass Of Christian Burial on Nov. 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Cathedral, Regina, SK. Interment was held in the Kendal Community Cemetery, Kendal, SK. For those wishing donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation. Hanson’s Funeral Service of Davidson, SK in care of arrangements.