Deborah K. Trippel

Deborah K. Trippel, 64, of Granger, passed away Monday, August 19, 2019.

Deb was born June 15, 1955 in South Bend, a daughter of the late Marvin and Anna “Irene” (Dodge) Rach. She lived most of her life in Granger and was a graduate of Penn High School.

Deb married Joseph Trippel on July 25, 1998 and he survives. Also surviving are five children, Melissa (Mark) Dole, Anthony (Lisa) Vellucci, Jennifer (Wayne) Gunn, Chris (Jamie) Trippel and Meredith (Donny) Delp; eight grandchildren, Bella and Jackson Dole, Lucca Vellucci, Odin Gunn, Cohen and Chloe Trippel, and Carter and Caroline Delp; five brothers, Marvin “Butch” (Verna) Rach, Gary (Sara) Rach, Dennis Rach, Jeff (Stacy) Rach and Mike (Debbie) Rach; and a brother-in-law, Jim Webber.

Deb was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Webber; and a brother, James Rach.

Deb was employed for many years as a manager with Creation Windows in Elkhart until she was diagnosed with cancer for the first time in 2001. Deb then soldiered through cancer again in 2006, and for a third time in 2017 when she was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer and a final recurrence in 2018-each time with determination, strength and dignity. She enjoyed golfing (especially since marrying Joe), everything Christmas, travelling and enjoying wine. Her most important pastime, however, was being a grandmother. Deb cherished every moment she spent with each of her grandchildren, especially her oldest granddaughter Bella, with whom she had a special bond.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Friday, August 23, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 pm Thursday and with a prayer service at 7:30 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka. Visitation is also from 10 – 11 am Friday in church.

A special thanks to Deb’s Hospice nurse, Cassie, for her patient and committed care and Dr John Gordon of UCSF Medical Center and Dr Robin Zon of Michiana Hematology Oncology for their expert care and concern for Deb.

Memorials are suggested to Center for Hospice Care (Hospice Foundation).