John E. "Jack" Tripp

John E. “Jack” Tripp, age 85 of Northfield, passed away Monday, September 29, 2008 at his home, surrounded by family and loved ones, cracking jokes to his last breath. Funeral Services will be 3:00pm Saturday, October 4th at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield with burial at the Cannon Falls Cemetery. Visitation Friday from 4-8:00pm at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield and 1 hour prior to Services on Saturday.

John Edward Tripp was born November 2, 1922 in Northfield, son of Robert Ancil Tripp and Minnie Fredrickson Tripp. Husband of Lois Marie (Holmes) Tripp who died June 10, 2006; father of Jackie Alfonso of Minneapolis, Julie (Carl) Forderer of Wells, MN, John (Vicky) Tripp of Northfield; grandfather of Yanaba Alfonso, Jackson and Mitchell Forderer; brother of Eugene (Darlene) Tripp of Faribault and Gerald (Kerry) Tripp of Englewood, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lois; sisters Eleanor Engstrom and Lois Freeman; brothers Allan and James; son-in-law Delio Alfonso.

Jack was an indefatigable builder of community in Northfield and beyond. He believed in supporting local businesses, encouraging neighborly attitudes, and widening the scope of community sensibility. Jack and Lois were leaders in building relationships across lines of class, color, and heritage. They welcomed a powerful appreciation of human diversity and were proud to have played a significant role in the ABC Program during its 20 years in Northfield.

In addition to community building, Jack was a locally renowned woodworker, developing his own style of Shaker-based household furniture and sharing his love of luxurious hardwoods like black walnut and cherry. His hand crafted pieces will live on for decades, filling the homes of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials to donor’s favorite charity. Funeral arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.