Cross Plains - Roman F. “Romie” Ripp passed away peacefully at Milestone on November 7, 2025, at the age of 93. Romie was born to Alphonse and Elizabeth (Grosse) Ripp in the township of Springfield.

He was born and raised in Ashton Corners, outside of Middleton, and was the oldest of the 10 siblings. At the young age of 19, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served 20 months on the front line in the Korean War. There were many days he didn’t believe he would come home and wrote to his parents to sell his belongings. However, the Lord had a different path for him. When he was honorably discharged, he hitchhiked his way home to the surprise of another sister.

Shortly after returning home, he reunited with the love of his life, Margaret “Marge” Ballweg, whom he married on June 28, 1955. Together, they raised their three children, Cynthia Albertson of Cross Plains, Kathleen Hilgendorf of Madison and Kevin Ripp of Lodi.

Romie worked 39 years for Mid-Plains Telephone company, climbing many poles in his days. Once he retired, he and Marge were able to enjoy many memorable trips to Europe, Australia, Alaska and Hawaii, to name a few.

Roman was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed bowhunting, deer hunting, small game hunting and pan fishing. In addition to his outdoor hobbies, he was a volunteer fireman for 30 years and a member of the Cross Plains American Legion for 70 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

As time passed and life began to slow down, he enjoyed just sitting in his driveway for hours reading the paper and watching the cars and people go by. He loved family visits and especially loved visits from his great-grandchildren (all 17 of them). That always put a smile on his face.

Survivors include his daughter, Kathleen; son, Kevin (Rachel); son-in-law, James Albertson; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Andy) VanSlett, Shelly (TJ) Kilen, Christine (Jake) Goergen, Courtney (Steve) Pauls, Kara Ripp, Andrew (Maggie) Albertson, Roman (Caitlyn) Ripp and Shane (Jordyn) Adler; and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Kacey VanSlett, Jackson, Noah, Bennett and Brooks Pauls, Zander and Finn Kilen, Harper and Oliver Goergen, Dominic and Camelia Ripp, Maverick and Beckett Albertson, and Leni, Isla and Auden Ripp.

Additional survivors are his brothers, Jim (Mary Ellen) and Bill (Carol); sisters, Joan Cavanaugh, Eileen (Herb) Statz, Mary Finger and Helen (Dennis) Radue; sisters-in-law, Katie Ripp, Phyllis (Milo) Breunig, Lois Krantz, Alice Ballweg, Sharon Ballweg, Darlene (Richard Collins) Ballweg, Kathy M. Ballweg, Kathy A. Ballweg and Carol Acker; and brothers-in-law, Marv Hellenbrand and Eugene Esser.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Elizabeth Ripp; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Elizabeth (Laufenberg) Ballweg; wife, Margaret; daughter, Cynthia; brothers, Rollie (Mary M.) and Joseph; sister, Margaret Esser; brothers-in-law, David Cavanaugh, Jim Finger, Daniel Ballweg, Melvin Ballweg, Roger Ballweg, Martin Ballweg, Clarence Ballweg, Wilfred Ballweg and LaVern Ballweg; and sisters-in-law, Patsy Jessing, Lucille Ballweg and Marlene Hellenbrand.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with Father Brad Grobbel presiding. Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141

Roman Fredrick Ripp

May 01, 1932 - November 07, 2025

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