Wallace Reed Rypkema

Wallace Reed “Wally” Rypkema

Wally passed into God’s loving arms on April 17, 2020 succumbing to COVID-19 at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital at age 95. His daughter, Pam, was at his side when he passed. Wally was born on May 2, 1924 in Minneapolis, MN. His parents Martin and Margaret Rypkema raised Wallace and his three sisters in Sandstone, MN. As a boy he was active in Boy Scouts and earned the Eagle Scout rank. He graduated from Sandstone High School. After graduation he joined the United States Coast Guard and served during WWII (February 1943-November 1945) patrolling for submarines in the waters around the Florida Keys. On March 4, 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen (Kay) and they would spend the next 61 years together until her death in 2006. They made their home and eventually raised their family in Richfield, MN. Wallace furthered his education at Dunwoody Institute and became a Heating Engineer. He worked for Ray N. Welter Heating and Air Conditioning until his retirement. He is lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his warmth, quick wit and an amazing sense of humor. He was active in Scouting as an adult leader in Troop 200 of Richfield. He enjoyed playing games including cribbage taking on all challengers. After retirement, he and Kay enjoyed traveling around the country and the world. In later life they enjoyed many camping trips in their pop-up trailer spending time with friends and family. He especially enjoyed spending two weeks every summer at Clubhouse National Forest Campground with his wife by his side. When Kay became stricken with Alzheimer Disease, Wally provided for her care at their home until she passed in 2006. Wally was a charter member of Emerson Avenue Congregational Church and served in various leadership capacities while at Emerson. He enjoyed the company of the Emerson Avenue Congregational Church family and many would meet weekly for lunch and the monthly third Sunday brunch. As his health slowed him down, care provided by his daughter Pamela and Home Instead caregivers made it possible for him to stay in his own home. His neighbors Tim and Nicole and their children were very giving of their time and talents. He enjoyed their company along with visits by other neighbors. His family was very important to him and he was very proud of his son and daughter.

He is survived by his son Craig (Ida Mae) Rypkema of Bemidji, MN; his daughter Pamela Rypkema of Albany, MN; four grandchildren; Mike (Elizabeth) Rypkema of Bozeman, MT; Michelle (Dave) DuToit of Excelsior, MN; Craig Eric (Gina) Rypkema of Nevis MN; Heather (Chad) Bjorgaard of Bemidji, MN. 11 Great-Grandchildren; Christopher Rypkema, Mackenzie (Greg) Bankert, Taylor Wood, Naomi Wood, Zackery Rypkema, Jade Rypkema, Noah Rypkema, Chelsey Rypkema, Hunter Bjorgaard, Josie Bjorgaard, and Madelyn Bjorgaard; and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren Ella and Isaiah Bankert. He is also survived by his sister; Evelyn Teich of Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; parents; sisters, Shirley Knudsen and Betty Ubl; and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-laws. Wallace will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.