Charles Peter Riipi

Charles Peter Riipi, 94, was taken home by the Lord on January 27, 2026. 

Born in Waukegan, IL, he was the son of Carl (Charlie) Riipi and Hilma Riipi. He was the husband of Barbara J. Riipi and together they spent almost 71 years of marriage and happiness. He was one of six children and was born biologically to Peter and Mae Tentes and adopted by his aunt and uncle at birth. He loved them dearly.

 He was known for his dedicated, hard work ethic and worked many jobs throughout his life. He served as an honored veteran in the US Air Force during the Korean War where he discovered his natural talent for engineering and machinery. He married his wife while stationed on duty in Wichita Falls, TX. After his time in the service, he worked for Johnson Motors, amongst various other jobs to support and provide for his family. He retired from Abbott as a mechanical engineer in 1993. His wife was known for saying “If it’s broken, give it to Chuck, he can fix anything.” He loved fishing, golfing, bowling, cooking, and spending time with family. He was an active member of the Zion Moose Club and enjoyed his days as a Boy Scout leader. He volunteered at City of Hope (formerly CTCA) for 30 years, helping patients and their families. He was a devoted member of the Zion Church of Christ and served the Lord faithfully. He loved making memories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, which brought him so much joy. He was known to them as “Buddie.”

He is survived by his sister, Elaine Dahl (Tentes), son, Karl (Christine) Riipi, daughters, Suzanne (Butch) Brummel, Jeanne (Tim) Booth, Dianna (Joe Roe) Riipi, grandchildren, Janna (Jason) Shrader, Tim (Rihana) Revell, Jaclynn Benjamin, Jennifer (Eric) Piatt, Amanda (Josh) Larkin, Alexander Bardales, great-grandchildren, Katlynn Roldan, Madelynn Klein, Irelynn Klein, Ty Revell, Emerson Revell, Joslynn Benjamin, Jathan Benjamin, Jamison Benjamin, and Olivia Larkin. His foreign exchange children, Sissel (Norway), Anita (Netherlands), Apeachia (Thailand), and Eva (Spain).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Hilma Riipi, Peter and Mae Tentes (biological parents), brothers, Jim Tentes, George Tentes, Tony Tentes, Basil Tentes, sister, Shirley Parent (Riipi), son, Kerry Charles Riipi, wife, Barbara Riipi, grandson, Matthew W. Booth, and great-grandson, Julian Charles Henry Benjamin.

The family would like to express special thanks to Theresa’s Home of assisted living for their loving care in his final days as well as St. Croix Hospice care. Lena was an honorary caretaker and will not be forgotten for her service. 

Donations can be made to Theresa's Home of assisted living. https://www.assistedlivingbytheresa.com/

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL.