Bernard Frank Ripper

Bernard Frank Ripper passed away on Wednesday evening, Dec. 6, 2023 at the age of 92.

Bernard Frank Ripper was born Sept. 1, 1931 on a Middle Creek farm between Ammannsville and Schulenburg on the Navidad River, to his parents Henry and Mary (Schmidt) Ripper. Bernard was delivered by Dr. Peters and baptized in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill. Bernard was an only child until his sister, Marie, was born in 1943 and his brother, Francis, came along in 1946. Bernard walked three miles a day barefoot to attend St. Anthony Middle Creek School. He also attended St. Mary’s School in High Hill and then attended Schulenburg High School, where he graduated in 1950. From a young age, Bernard was a talented and gifted carpenter. In high school, Bernard’s FFA team won first in the state for farm skill carpentry demonstration. Bernard also helped his parents in the fields doing farmwork. At the age of 14, he began working with his father and uncles. Bernard and his father worked alongside each other for many years building houses. After his father’s retirement, Bernard became the sole owner of Ripper Construction Co. Bernard’s son Michael, after his graduation, joined the business, and they worked alongside one another for many years.

In 1953, Bernard was called to serve his country in the United States Army. In 1952, Bernard became a member of the Schulenburg Knights of Columbus; he was a member for 71 years. Bernard was the Grand Knight of Schulenburg Knights of Columbus Council 2902 from 1960-62, and at the time he was the youngest grand knight for the Schulenburg Knights of Columbus Council. He also was a member of the St. Rose of Lima parish council. Bernard met Lillian Marie Menis at a dance in Ammannsville. Bernard and Lillian were united in the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina on Dec. 29, 1963 and were married by Bernard’s uncle, Fr. Robert Schmidt. After their marriage, Bernard and Lillian lived in Dubina for 9 years. Bernard and Lillian were blessed with two children, Michael and Michelle. In 1973, Bernard and his family moved into the house that he and his father Henry built 2.5 miles east of Schulenburg, also known as “Birdhouse Hill”, which is the same house that Bernard lived in for the rest of his life.

Bernard’s love of carpentry was a major part of his life. Bernard learned the carpentry trade from his father, who learned it from his father, who learned it from his father, going all the way back to Moravia-Austria, where many more generations of carpenters in the Ripper family lived. His love of building was sparked at a young age. Young Bernard even ordered a book on electrical wiring from the Sears, Roebuck catalog and taught himself. Bernard was a talented carpenter, Master Plumber and licensed electrician. He wrote his material list for his jobs on pieces of wood because he said, “This way I can’t lose it.” In total, Bernard built over 250 houses in Schulenburg and the surrounding areas along with numerous dairy barns and other structures. Bernard also did numerous projects for area churches. Seeing a house Bernard built is an easy task, as his building legacy can be seen in many places throughout Fayette, Colorado and Lavaca counties. Carpentry work done by Bernard was never about the money – it was about helping people. Bernard was an old school craftsman who believed in always doing things the right way and with integrity.

Bernard always loved to listen to polka music along with calling in the rain report to KVLG. Bernard loved to eat, especially breakfast that included toast with jelly topped with homemade cottage cheese from their jersey milk cow. He also loved his two chihuahua dogs, Molly and Coco, who were always sitting on each side of him in his recliner. Bernard was a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg and he was always a supporter of Catholic education. Bernard and Lillian were married for 58 years. Bernard worked with carpentry until his late 80s and he had a sharp mind his entire life. Bernard was a good boss who always was kind to his employees – many former employees had expressed to both Bernard and his family about the positive impact he made on them. He was able to remain in his home due to the good care he received from his son Michael. Bernard was a great father and grandfather who was committed to his family and his Catholic faith. He was hardworking, comical, kind and honest. He was a just man.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, the visitation was held starting at 4 p.m. at the Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home, followed by the parish rosary at 6 p.m. led by Fr. Jasper Liggio. A funeral Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, with Fr. Luke Prihoda as the celebrant. Fr. Alexander Aboagye, Deacon Jay Vocelka and Seminarian Caleb Krischke assisted at the funeral Mass. Pallbearers included Joseph Urban, Matthew Urban, Milton Urban, Kenneth Miksch, Gabriel Oaxaca and Jose Carrillo. Burial followed at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Weimar. He was laid to rest beside his wife, Lillian.

Bernard is survived by his son, Michael Ripper of Schulenburg; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Milton Urban of La Grange; three grandchildren, Joseph Urban and wife Caitlin, Matthew Urban and Amanda Urban, all of La Grange; one sister, Marie Hickey and husband Firmin of San Antonio; and one brother, Francis Ripper and wife Jan of High Hill.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife Lillian Ripper and his parents Henry and Mary (Schmidt) Ripper.

Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Bernard will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren as well as other family members and friends. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.” “And until we meet again, May God hold him in the palm of His hand.”