Robert Riipinen

Robert C. Riipinen
Robert C. Riipinen, 82, Buck Lake, formerly of Hibbing, died Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Guardian Angels Health Care Center, Hibbing.  He was born in Hibbing on Aug. 30, 1931, to Armas and Helbie (Houtari) Riipinen.  Bob graduated from Hibbing High School and served in the US Army in Korea from 1952—1954.  He and Jean Zubrod were united in marriage on April 23, 1955, in Hibbing, where Bob worked for Cummins Diesel.  When he retired, he and Jean moved to Bob’s favorite place, the Riipinen family farm, where they built a home.  He was a member of VFW Post 8510 and the Hibbing Rifle and Pistol Club.  He was an avid year-round hunter and fisherman; he enjoyed woodworking and gunsmithing.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jean, of Buck Lake; six children:  Karen (Patrick) Lucia of Hibbing, Rick Riipinen of Buck Lake, Mark (Sue) Riipinen of Chisholm, Bob Riipinen of Buck Lake, John (Amy) Riipinen of Buck Lake, and Kris (Pat) Furlong of Hibbing; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Berland of Hibbing; a brother, Jim (Bonnie) Riipinen of Rochester, MN; seven grandchildren:  Rachel, Jack, Jay, Maggie, Lauren, Sara, and Ben; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a son, William Riipinen; a grandson, Nicholas Lucia; and by his parents.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing, from 9:30 AM until the 11 AM funeral service.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com.

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