Charles D. Rippey, 67

Charles D. Rippey, 67, of Bigfork, passed away Dec. 31, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Hospital.

He was born May 19, 1938, in Peoria, Ill., to Fred V. and Elsa I. (Orr) Rippey.

He received a bachelor's degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., a master's at Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind., and a doctorate in anthropology at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

He spent four years in the United States Army, achieving the rank of first lieutenant.

He married Pat Wittekiend in 1962. They remained united for 21 years. In 1985, he married Jan Strong with whom he shared life until her passing in July 2004.

He taught high school and college in the Kalispell area for more than 20 years.

Surviving is a brother, Kermit, and Wanda, of East Peoria, Ill.; one niece, Angela, and nephew, Curtis, of East Peoria; three stepchildren, Cheryl and Dan Hanson, Jeanie and Andy Sappington of Kalispell, Scott and Shelly Woessner of Columbia Falls; and 10 stepgrandchildren.

There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded and services will be held at a later date.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.