Richard Dippong • 1931 - 2009

Richard Dippong, 78, formerly of Minot, ND, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 31, 2009, in his home in San Marcos, CA.  

Richard Joseph “Dick” Dippong was born January 17, 1931, a son of Peter F. and Anne (Ott) Dippong, in Minot, ND.  A Minot native and long time parishioner of St. Leo's Catholic Church, Dick graduated from Minot High School and then went on to attend St. John's University in Collegeville, MN.

Dick enlisted in the United States Navy in February of 1952. While being stationed in Norfolk, VA, he met and married Harriett Ann Barton.  Following his honorable discharged in January of 1956, they moved back to Minot, where they made their home and raised their five daughters. Dick was a proud member and past Commander of the Minot American Legion Post #26. He regularly and respectfully participated in the color guard. Dick was an active volunteer for many charities and service organizations throughout his lifetime. Harriett passed away July 4, 1992, following 36 years of marriage.

Dick continued to reside in Minot, where he was blessed with a sixth daughter. In 2004 he moved to Southern California.  He was a parishioner of St. Marks Church and a beloved employee of Scripps Memorial Hospital until the time of his death.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Kathryn and Dan Lawson, Oxnard, CA; Karen and Dale Ellingson, Los Angeles, CA; Kendall and Rich Rentfro, Aurora, CO, Kyla Dippong, Brooklyn, NY, Kristin and Mark Smith, Carlsbad, CA, and Victoria Turner, Bloomington, MN;
grandsons, Skyler, Weston and Mason Ellingson; Conner and Carson Smith; and Zachary Lawson; and a granddaughter, Madison Dippong-Rentfro; and one nephew, Peter J. Dippong.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Harriett; brother, Peter; and sister, Marianne Dippong.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, November 13, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment:  Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation:  Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to donor’s choice.

Service Participants
Father Austin Vetter - Celebrant of the Liturgies
Deacon Bob Dangel - Vigil Prayer Service
Mark Smith and Dan Lawson- Readers
Conner Smith- Gift Bearer

Music:
Processional Hymn: “On Eagles Wings”
Offertory Hymn: “Beautiful Savior”
Communion Solo: “Ave Maria”
Commendation: “Song of Farewell”
Recessional Hymn: “How Great Thou Art”
John Witteman, Vocalist/Song Leader
Marcy Witteman, Organist

Honorary Bearers: Dick’s many wonderful friends

Active Bearers: Dan Lawson, Dale Ellingson, Peter J. Dippong, Mark Smith, Skyler Ellingson, Weston Ellingson

Military honors accorded by the North Dakota National Guard and the Minot American Legion Post #26.

Following the graveside service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the lower level of the church.  

Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Richard.

To sign the online guest register for Dick
To view the online guest register for Dick

To view the inside of Dick's folder
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