Marilyn Ripplinger

Marilyn Ripplinger, 85, Bismarck, passed away September 13, 2025, at St. Vincents Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 18 at 10:00 AM at Church of Corpus Christi. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17 from 5-8 PM with a rosary at 7 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Marilyn was born on November 9, 1939, to Hubert and Philomine (Merkes) Kunze in Valley City, ND. She grew up on a farm and was raised and educated in Valley City. After graduating from Valley City, she moved to Fargo to live with her cousin, Marlene Fosheim, and worked for Red Owl. Marilyn was a very quiet but wonderful lady.

She met Clarence Ripplinger (her future husband) as her parents were friends with his aunt. The two were married on June 29, 1962 and they moved to the Bismarck area. Marilyn then worked for the Sweetheart Bakery and Land O’ Lakes Dairy in Bismarck.

Her hobbies included collecting angels, watching Hallmark and Lifetime movies, baking cookies, brownies, kuchen and making kneophla soup. She loved being with her family and friends. Marilyn would join her friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays at south McDonalds for coffee and pie. She was especially proud to become a foster great-grandmother!

Marilyn is survived by and will be missed by many including her daughter, Robin Ripplinger, Bismarck; granddaughter, Nicole Nelson, Bismarck; brother-in-law, Ervin (Janet) Ripplinger Bismarck; sister-in-law, Jo Ripplinger and many nieces, nephews, cousins and host of dear friends. She is also survived by a very special best friend, Arlene Dietz and her coffee group at McDonalds.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; parents; one brother, Gary; sister-in-law, Loretta Riehl and brother-in-law, Don Ripplinger.