Wilda C. Van Riper, 87, of Albert Lea died, Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Center.

The memorial service for Wilda will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Clayton Balsley will officiate. Visitation with her family will be one hour prior to the funeral.

Wilda was born Aug. 16, 1920 in Albert Lea to Walter and Cora Nelson. She did baby-sitting until the age of 18. Then at the age of 19 she married Ken W. Van Riper on July 27, 1940 at Northwood, Iowa. Together they joined First Baptist Church on July 1947. She was very active in the church. She taught Sunday school for many years and was treasurer for the ABW for 15 years. Wilda and Ken were members of the Grapevine Twist Square Dance group. She enjoyed crocheting, camping, dancing and was a excellent cook.

Wilda is survived by her husband Ken W. Van Riper of Albert Lea; nine children Sandy Van Wilgen, Janice (John &8220;Sonny&8221;) Van Wilgen, James Van Riper, Robert (Kathy) Van Riper, Cheryl (Raymond) McManaman, Becky (Charles) Phagan, Alan Van Riper, Kenneth R. Van Riper (special friend Bonita Moeller), Cynthia Van Riper, grandchildren Larry (Leah) Van Wilgen, Doug Van Wilgen, Jeff (Sandy) Van Wilgen, Rick (Karen) Van Wilgen, Jody Van Wilgen, Julie (Craig) Hill, Jon (Peggy) Van Wilgen, Jaquie Deml, Jason (Tammy) Van Wilgen, James Van Riper, Tina (Jermie) Lutteke, April (Joe) Hyde, Thomas Van Riper, Todd (Kristina) Van Riper, Holly Melom, Sheila (Troy) Cordero, Michelle (Rob) Konrade, Kristine (James Poland) Tucker, Karla (Mark) Stevens, Troy (Dawnita) Phagan, Laurie (Ryan) Alles, Jeremiah (Katie Anderson) Van Riper, Thaddeus Van Riper; 61 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents, parents-in-law, son-in-law Gene Van Wilgen, grandson-in-law Lawrence Deml, great-grandson Phillip Robitaille, great-granddaughter Shawn Florence Van Riper, brothers Richard and Jerald, sister-in-law Helen Nelson, brothers-in-law Joe, Rip, Pud, Leo Carr and Russ Stauch; sisters-in-law Helen Wellens, Dee Van Riper and Sis Stauch.