Steve Rypel Passes

Just received word from the family the Preliminary Autopsy states massive Heart Attack.

Additionally, the services may be on Wednesday, will post info as it becomes available.

My sympathy to his family and all others involved. A sudden death is so hard to take. Besides doing what he loved, he was also with friends.

Absolutely tragic! Best wishes to the Rypel family. Steve was one of the finest people we've ever known. The GL reunion won't be the same again. RIP Ripster!

Paul and Jenny Sandstrom   

This sucks. Steve was a great guy and I'm truly shocked and saddened. I saw him at the 2010 Malibu Open and it was SO cool to see him there. He will be missed.

The first picture posted of Steve is how we will always remember him. What a fun guy.

Tragedy indeed for the family and all who called Steve 'friend'. But as quinner said, when you are called home..ya gotta go. Reminder to all of us to be ready and leave nothing unsaid to family and friends.

john

First and foremost, sincere condolences to the Rypel family. The suddenness of it all must very difficult to process. I hope the family circles back to this thread to hear of all the good wishes and fond memories from his second family.

Secondly, my best wishes for the many CCFers who were skiing with him that day. It had to be a horrible experience. The urgency of the situation, the helplessness, the fear... I hope you all are doing OK.

In a small way, I understand how the family must feel. After learning of the serious news of the day, I've felt off very off all day. Disproportionally so.

I knew Steve from the reunions plus additional crossing of paths on Green Lake. We always shared a few beers worth of conversation. Honestly, the ties didn't extend much beyond that...not that I would have minded, he was a really good guy.

My predominant impression of him was how pleasant and good natured he always seemed to be. Perhaps due to our encounters being on the water, surrounded by fiberglass and vinyl, in our element, our happy place. But even then, we all have our moments where we'd like a do-over, a mulligan. I never saw that in Ripster. Something to strive for, I suppose.

So why am I so rattled? I've been trying to make a little sense of it all. Just a bit is all I ask. Of course, there is no sense to be had. Young, in good shape, well liked and certainly loved by his close friends and family. What the hell?

The best I can reconcile is this wasn't a tragic loss, rather an early admission. A premature privilege granted, beyond our comprehension. Entrance into a place where the water is always glass, the boat runs great and good friends are always around to drive and spot. That is the way he went and that is what I like to believe he'll have for eternity. We should all be so lucky, just not so soon.

Rest in peace Steve...so you can get up early for first pull.

Steve (Raindog) you have worded it far better than I could have. I met him briefly at GL09 and this has hit me for six. Feels like a loss in my own family. It once again shows the special bond CCfan's form.
Condolences to the family and fellow CCfan's who were close to him.

Was this on Deep Lake?

M3Fan wrote: Was this on Deep Lake?

Yes

Steve, I will say Karen and I have the same feelings of loss .Thank you for posting what Karen and his fellow CCFans are feeling. He will be sadly missed but not forgtten.. Billy/Karen

Steve 8/6/10 at the Malibu Open in Milwaukee, sitting with us and chatting with Beth in this pic


Somebody just about to step off the platform (I think It's Ryan), GL 2008


Pulling in to tie up, GL 08


Can't see him in this picture, but he's there.

I'm absolutely floored. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the entire Rypel family. Steve was truly a class act that will be missed by all who knew him.

The Leinen family

Sorry for your loss John. My prayers go out to you and your family. Steve really was one of the best.

Ryan

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for posting all your thoughts and prayers for Steve's family. You have no idea how much he will leave a void in our lives. He lived every moment to the fullest and passed away doing something that gave him the greatest pleasure. His funeral services will be held on Sunday from 3 to 6 at the Krause Funeral Home on 124th and National. We would welcome any of you who wish to say goodbye to Steve. Thank you once again.

Steve's Family

After reading this thread, and reading most of you guys comments, I am sorry to hear this tragic news. Losing a family member, great friend is a hard one to swallow. What kills me is I hate to see young people go as he did. Very young man, and just to darn young to go. My thoughts and prayers to the family and all hurting at this time.