Joseph B. Trippel

Joseph B. Trippel, 94, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday evening, November 30, 2014, in The Milton Home, South Bend.

Joe was born April 2, 1920 in Mishawaka, a son of the late Frederick and Mary (Wolf) Trippel. He was a 1938 graduate of Mishawaka High School.

Joe married Virginia Zeiger on June 26, 1943 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka. The couple made Mishawaka their home.

Joe was employed for 40 years as a plumber with Vic Trippel Plumbing and greatly enjoyed his work. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #1878. For many years, Joe ushered for University of Notre Dame football games. He loved sports, especially baseball. He also enjoyed tomato gardening and fishing.

Joe’s surviving family includes ten children, Sister Mary Joan Trippel, PHJC, Loreli Trippel, Linda (Tom) Kraeft, Sally Trippel, M.D., Verna (Terry) Reedy, Joseph (Deb) Trippel, Jr., Jane (John) Callan, Donald (Deb) Trippel, Kristina (Mark) Dittenber and Kenneth Trippel; fifteen grandchildren, Brian, Seth, Colin, Justin, Jennifer, Christopher, Meredith, Peter, Karen, Timothy, Andrew, Nicholas, Aimee, Michael and Kathryn; two step grandchildren, Melissa and Anthony; fifteen great grandchildren; a brother, Richard Trippel; and a sister, Frances Williams.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia in 2011; an infant son; two sisters, Margaret Williams and Mary Gorman; and four brothers, Victor, Carl, Albert and Frederick Trippel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Thursday, December 4, in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Monsignor Bruce Piechocki officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends may spend time with Joe’s family from 3 - 7 pm Wednesday, December 3, in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 pm. Visitation is also 10 - 11 am Thursday in the church.

Contributions in Joe’s memory are suggested to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.