Memorial services for Kenneth Wilson VanRiper, 89, of Albert Lea will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church. The Rev. Clayton Balsley will officiate. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church.
Kenneth passed away Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at his home.
Kenneth Wilson VanRiper was born on Nov. 2, 1919, to James and Gladys (Wilson) VanRiper in Albert Lea. He grew up in Albert Lea, and attended Albert Lea Schools. Kenneth worked at Wilson & Co. where he was a mill right foreman. On July 27, 1940, he was united in marriage to Wilda Nelson in Northwood, Iowa. Kenneth was a member of First Baptist Church since 1947 and enjoyed singing in the church choir. His favorite past times were camping, dancing, hunting, woodworking and mechanics.
Survivors include his children: Sandy Van Wilgen, Janice (John “Sonny) Van Wilgen, James VanRiper, Robert VanRiper, Cheryl (Raymond) McManaman, Becky (Charles) Phagan, Alan VanRiper, Kenneth R. VanRiper (friend Bonita Moeller), and Cynthia VanRiper; grandchildren: Larry (Leah) Van Wilgen, Doug Van Wilgen, Jeff Van Wilgen, Rick (Karen) VanWilgen, Jody Van Wilgen, Julie (Craig) Hill, Jon (Peggy) Van Wilgen, Jacquie Deml, Jason (Tammy) Van Wilgen, James VanRiper, Tina (Jermie) Lutteke, April (Joe) Hyde, Thomas VanRiper, Todd (Kristina) VanRiper, Holly VanRiper, Sheila (Troy) Cordero, Michelle (Rob) Konrade, Kristin Tucker, Karla (Mark) Stevens, Troy (Dawnita) Phagan, Laurie (Ryan) Alles, Jeremiah (Katie) VanRiper, Thaddeus VanRiper; 63 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; wife, Wilda; son-in-law, Gene Van Wilgen; daughter-in-law, Kathy VanRiper; grandson-in-law, Lawrence Deml; great-grandson, Phillip Robitaille; great-granddaughter, Shawn Florence VanRiper; brothers: Joe, Rip, Pud, and James; sisters: Helen Wellens and Sis Stauch; brothers-in-law: Richard Nelson, Gerald Nelson, Leo Carr and Russ Stauch; and sisters-in-law: Dee VanRiper, Ruth VanRiper and Helen Nelson.