Lisa Jean Ripka

life story

A loving mother

To both cats and humans

Our beloved Lisa Jean (Salk) Ripka passed away at her home in St. Cloud, MN on October 7, 2025. Lisa was born to Jean Harriet (Zachman) and Richard James Salk on September 18, 1960.

Lisa grew up in Albany, MN, along with her six sisters and five brothers. Lisa attended Albany Area Schools, where she was a member of the Albany High School Color Guard. She graduated in 1978. After high school, Lisa attended St. Cloud Vocational Technical Institute, where she trained to be a Dental Assistant, then went on to work for a local dentist.

Lisa married Russell John Ripka on August 14, 1987. Lisa and Russ raised their three children, Casey, Zachary, and Nicholas, in Rice, MN. Lisa and Russ loved spending time with their kids camping, fishing, and hanging out at the lake. They vacationed all over the state.

Lisa loved her cats, and they loved her! She was much appreciated for her helping kids at school, too. She was a talented cook, and decorating for the holidays was her specialty and joy. Other activities included being in a partnership that ran the Rice softball leagues from 1990 – 2000 and working for Midwest Coin Concepts.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Jean Salk, and her brothers Steven and William Salk. She is survived by her loving husband, Russ, their three wonderful children, Casey, Zach (Emily), and Nick (Taylor), her beautiful granddaughters Nora and Mia, siblings Jim Salk (Mary), Cheryl Ellingson, Corrine Jacobs (Rob), Roberta Talley (Jim), Janet Salk, Mary K. “Katie” Scott (Joe), Mike Salk (Lisa), Greg Salk (Brenda), and Susan Severson (Keith), as well as many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Lisa will be dearly missed by all.

memorial service

Celebration of Life (12-3pm)

October 17, 2025

Coyote Moon Grille 480 55th Ave SE, St Cloud, MN 56304, USA

We welcome family and friends to join us in a celebration of life for Lisa. We will have a short prayer and meal beginning at 1pm. We ask that you bring memories and photos if you have them, there will be a memory box.

Please come dressed classy but comfortable - colors are welcome.