Charles Herbert Ripley, Jr., 67, passed away January 19th, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be hosted on March 17th, at the Iowa Taproom, 215 E. 3rd Street Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Charles was born February 3rd, 1954 in Knoxville, IA to Georgia and Charles Ripley Sr. He graduated from Valley High School in 1972. He attended college at Iowa State University and Graceland College. He later went on to receive his license in Stationary Engineering. Charlie retired after 29 years from Polk County General Services.
He was an avid football fan and always cheered for the underdog. He enjoyed many outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing, camping, hiking and creek walking and has embedded his love and appreciation of nature into his children as well. Even though the majority of his life Charlie did not own a boat, he still spent a great deal of time at the Red Rock, Saylorville and Birdland Marinas and was always up for having a good time with family and friends. His true passion and creative outlet was pottery and was proud to give his pieces to the ones he loved. He was always good for a useless fact or joke–the more inappropriate it was, the louder it was told.
Charlie is survived by his two children; daughter, Katie (Tyler) DeMaris; son, Nick Ripley (Jordan Tinkle); six grandchildren, Harper, Miles, Hazel and Ripley DeMaris, Claire and Harrison Ripley; sisters Georgia (Larry) Speed and Jane Ripley; niece Heather Speed, nephew, Daniel Ripley. Charlie was preceded in death by his mother and father; and a brother, Jon Ripley.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” - Hunter S. Thompson