Randy Daniel Ripka, 60, of Spring Mills, died Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at Mt Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born July 21, 1952 in Bellefonte, a son of the late Jonas Elias and Hilda Rhene Ripka.
On July 27 1974, he married Joyce A. Wiser who survives at home. Also surviving is a daughter Sarah E. Maggi and her husband Tim of Lemont; one granddaughter Meghan Maggi; one brother Dale Ripka and his wife Amy of Millheim, and a nephew Wesley Ripka.
Randy is a 1970 graduate of Penns Valley High School. He retired as a Print Shop Technician in the Chemical Lab at the Pennsylvania State University. He had also been employed by Cerro Metals in Bellefonte.
An active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Millheim, he served as a Sunday School Teacher and a Congregational Council Member. Caring about his community, he served as a Charted Organization Representative of Boy Scout Troop 88 in Millheim; and a member of the Board of Directors of the Penns Valley Health and Welfare Association; as well as a member of the Spring Mills Fire Company.
Among the things he truly enjoyed were camping at Grange Fair as well as other aspects of the fair, camping at the Black Panther Campground, and refinishing furniture. He had a deep interest in trains and often rode trains in Altoona, Middletown and Strasburg. Bi-annual trips to Lancaster County were also among the other things he looked forward to, including Sight and Sound Productions.
Friends will be received from 6 – 8 p. m. Friday, September 14, 2012, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a. m. Saturday, September 15, 2012, at St. John Lutheran Church, 101 Mill St., Millheim; with the Reverend Julia Sprenkle officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Millheim.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. John’s Childhood Center, 101 Mill St. Millheim, PA 16854.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heinzelmanfuneralhome.com.