Donald F. “Donny” Ripperda, age 69, of Breese, and formerly of Aviston, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 22, 2026 surrounded by family. He was born November 10, 1956, in Breese, a son of the late Joseph and Virginia (nee Wolters) Ripperda.
Donny is survived by his siblings, Charles (Tina) Ripperda, Theresa Richter, Kenneth (Karen) Ripperda, Karen (Jim) Astroth, Beverly Ripperda, Lisa (Scott) Schuette, and Pamela Powell; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Donny was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister twins in infancy, Mary and Gary Ripperda; and brother-in-law, Mike Richter.
Donny graduated from Wesclin High School in 1975. He formerly worked at Hardee’s in Breese for many years, where he served as a custodian and assisted with unloading delivery trucks. He was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston.
Donny found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He could often be seen riding his bicycle around town and especially looked forward to his annual trip with his family to the St. Louis Zoo and the Centralia Balloon Festival. He also enjoyed playing bingo, taking occasional trips to Branson, and had extraordinary math skills.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston with Fr. Von Deeke and Fr. Daniel Friedman concelebrating. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:30 – 10:45 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Community Link or St. Francis Cemetery and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
