George M. “Buck” Ripple, age 93, of North Platte, passed away April 29, 2023, at Great Plains Health. Buck was born November 9, 1929 at Tryon, Nebraska to George D. and Nettie M. Winters Ripple.
Buck graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1948. He then went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad in the car department and then enlisted in the United States Army. After being discharged from the Army he returned to North Platte, served six years in the Army Reserves and resumed work with the Union Pacific Railroad. On November 28, 1953, Buck married Patricia Ann Shay in North Platte, they had one daughter, Theresa Susan. Patricia passed away in July of 1956. In June of 1958, Buck joined the North Platte Police Department and served as Line Lieutenant from 1962 until his retirement from the department in November 1989. On December 16, 1958, Buck was united in marriage to Sandra Deann Davis in North Platte, where they remained their entire married life. After retiring from the North Platte Police Department, Buck then worked a few months for the Pacific Fruit Express. In April of 1991, he became employed by the United States Marshall Service as a Special Deputy Marshall, stationed at the North Platte office. He retired from this position on November 9, 2014. He was a member of the Police Officers Association of Nebraska, American Legion Post #163, and the Elks Lodge. Buck was an avid Huskers fan, never missing a game on TV. He was also a classic car enthusiast, especially his Cadillacs.
Buck is survived by his sons, Michael (Carol) Ripple, and Mark Ripple, of North Platte; sister-in-law’s, Sherry (Dennis) Desy, of St. Peters, MO, Karen Stearns and Kathy Davis of North Platte; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren; special friend and neighbor, Karla O’Rourke; along with many other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents George and Nettie; both wives, Patricia and Sandra; daughter, Theresa Susan Vieyra; numerous aunts and uncles.
Memorials are suggested to the family with designation at a later date. Online condolences and livestreaming of the service can be viewed at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating. Inurnment with full military honors will be at 1:00 P.M., at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska. Book signing will be from noon – 5:00, Wednesday, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.