Michael K. "Mike" Ripley

Michael K. “Mike” Ripley, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away at 5:56 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Mike was born on June 4, 1944, in Monroe, Indiana, to Leland A. and Midge C. (Davis) Ripley. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Emily M. Heare, on October 10, 1964, in Decatur, Indiana.

He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he continued his military service by enlisting in the Indiana Air National Guard being stationed at the 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne.

He was a 1963 graduate of Adams Central High School.

Mike was a former member of the Decatur Kiwanis and attended Blackhawk Ministries in Fort Wayne, where he enjoyed serving through the church’s bus ministry. He retired from FLARE Engineering in Fort Wayne after previously working for many years at First State Bank in Decatur. During his retirement, Mike continued working as an installer for Best Blinds in Fort Wayne.

Mike enjoyed skiing and swimming and especially loved the ocean. He and Emily enjoyed vacationing in Florida and Myrtle Beach. He also loved working outdoors and spending time in nature.

Survivors include his wife, Emily Ripley of Fort Wayne, Indiana; son, Scott (Shonda) Ripley of Fort Wayne, Indiana; grandchildren, Logan Ripley and Ashton (David) Reents; sister, Enid Roberts of Columbus, Indiana; brother, Marcus Ripley of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Laura Pauline (Marvin) Joray of Wentworth, South Dakota; three sisters-in-law, Marlene Habegger of Decatur, Indiana, Sue Ripley of Indianapolis, Indiana and Arvilla Ripley of Lexington, Kentucky.

Mike was preceded in death by brothers and spouses, Charles (Norma) Ripley, David Ripley, Roger (Betty) Ripley, John and Thomas Ripley and sister-in-law, Penny Ripley; and brother-in-law, David Roberts.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana, with Pastor Gary Lovens officiating. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery, with Military Graveside Honors conducted by the U.S. Navy Color Guard in conjunction with the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard.

Family and friends will be received from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be given to Tunnels to Towers or Honor Flight NE Indiana.

Arrangements are by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home of Decatur, Indiana.