Services for Bernard Frank Ripper, age 92, of Schulenburg, will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with interment to follow in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Weimar.

The family will receive friends at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, with the parish rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. at Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home in Schulenburg.

Bernard Frank Ripper passed away December 6, 2023 at the age of 92. He was born September 1, 1931, on a Middle Creek Farm between Ammannsville and Schulenburg on the Navidad River to his parents, Henry and Mary (Schmidt) Ripper. Bernard was delivered by Dr. Peters and baptized in Saint Mary's Catholic Church in High Hill. Bernard was an only child until his sister, Marie, was born in 1943 and his brother, Francis, came along in 1946. Bernard walked three miles a day barefoot to attend Saint Anthony Middle Creek School. He also attended Saint Mary's School in High Hill and then attended Schulenburg High School, where he graduated in 1950. From a young age, Bernard was a talented and gifted carpenter. In high school, Bernard's FFA team won first in the state for farm skill carpentry demonstration. Bernard also helped his parents in the fields doing farmwork. At the age of 14, he began working with his father and uncles. Bernard and his father worked alongside each other for many years building houses. After his father's retirement, Bernard became the sole owner of Ripper Construction Co. Bernard's son Michael, after his graduation, joined the business, and they worked alongside one another for many years.

In 1953, Bernard was called to serve his country in the United States Army. In 1952, Bernard became a member of the Schulenburg Knights of Columbus; he was a member for 71 years. Bernard became the Grand Knight of Schulenburg Knights of Columbus Council #2902 from 1960-1962, and at the time, he was the youngest Grand Knight for the Schulenburg Knights of Columbus Council. He also was a member of the St. Rose of Lima parish council. Bernard met Lillian Marie Menis at a dance in Ammannsville. Bernard and Lillian were united in the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony at Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina, Texas on December 29, 1963, and were married by Bernard's uncle, Father Robert Schmidt. After their marriage, Bernard and Lillian lived in Dubina for 9 years. Bernard and Lillian were blessed with two children, Michael and Michelle. In 1973, Bernard and his family moved into the house that he and his father Henry built 2.5 miles east of Schulenburg, also known as "Birdhouse Hill", which is the same house that Bernard lived in for the rest of his life.

Bernard's love of carpentry was a major part of his life. He learned the carpentry trade from his father, who learned it from his father, who learned it from his father, going all the way back to Moravia-Austria, where many more generations of carpenters in the Ripper family lived. His love of building was sparked at a young age. Young Bernard even ordered a book on electrical wiring from the Sears, Roebuck catalog and taught himself. Bernard was a talented Carpenter, Master Plumber and Licensed Electrician. He wrote his material list for his jobs on pieces of wood because he said "This way I can't lose it." In total, Bernard built over 250 houses in Schulenburg and the surrounding areas along with numerous dairy barns and other structures. Bernard also did numerous projects for area churches. Seeing a house Bernard built is an easy task, as his building legacy can be seen in many places throughout Fayette, Colorado and Lavaca County. Carpentry work done by Bernard was never about the money, it was about helping people. Bernard was an old-school craftsman that believed in always doing things the right way and with integrity.

Bernard always loved to listen to Polka music along with calling in the rain report to KVLG. Bernard loved to eat, especially breakfast that included toast with jelly topped with homemade cottage cheese from their jersey milk cow. He also loved his two chihuahua dogs, Molly and Coco, who were always sitting on each side of him in his recliner. Bernard was a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg and he was always a supporter of Catholic education. Bernard and Lillian were married for 58 years. Bernard worked with carpentry until his late 80's and he had a sharp mind his entire life. Bernard was a good boss that always was kind to his employees, many former employees had expressed to both Bernard and his family about the positive impact he made on them. He was able to remain in his home due to the good care he received from his son Michael. Bernard was a great father and grandfather who was committed to his family and his Catholic faith. He was hardworking, comical, kind, and honest. He was a just man.

Bernard is survived by his son, Michael Ripper of Schulenburg; daughter, Michelle and Milton Urban of La Grange; grandchildren, Joseph and Caitlin Urban, Matthew Urban, and Amanda Urban; sister, Marie and Firmin Hickey of San Antonio; and brother, Francis and Jan Ripper of High Hill.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; and parents, Henry and Mary Schmidt Ripper.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or School, Schulenburg, Texas, or a charity of your choice.