Robert "Bob" L. Tripe

Mass of Christian Burial for Robert L. "Bob" Tripe will be held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Father Jamie Hottovy officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Orleans.

Robert Leroy "Bob" Tripe, 80 years of age, of Orleans, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society – Colonial Villa in Alma, Nebraska.  Bob was born on March 21, 1936 at Orleans, the eldest of three children born to Edward Joseph and Dorothy Elizabeth (Becker) Tripe.  He attended primary school at Orleans and graduated from Orleans High School with the class of 1954. He then attended the Lincoln School of Commerce where he studied for two years.  In the 1950s, Bob joined his father at the family business, Tripe Motor.  In later years, Bob worked as a mechanic while his brother focused on sales.

On February 7, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Sharron Birth at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans and to this union three children were born: Craig, Melanie and Melinda.  Bob was later remarried to Lana Dusenberry on April 4, 1975 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two sons, Torrey and Rhett were lovingly welcomed into the Tripe family.  The family made their home in Orleans, where Bob continued to work at Tripe Motor as well as owning and operating Tripe TV & Carpet.   He later added Dish Network installation and service to his business.

Bob was a friend to everyone. He served on many committees throughout the years, and could have been known as "Mr. Orleans".   He was always promoting Orleans and the surrounding area.  He was the President of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce for many years and organized the annual Harlan County Fair hamburger stand.  Bob enjoyed working; he was at your service 24/7.   He was very active member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, serving in many capacities.

He was an avid Husker fan and enjoyed watching all Nebraska sports.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball, coaching his daughter's softball teams, announcing football games, and bowling.  Bob was avid card player, he and Lana took annual trips to Las Vegas and he never missed an Orleans Alumni Banquet.  He had always loved his cars, in particular his 1958 Oldsmobile, and in his younger years, riding his Harley motorcycle.  He also loved attending and watching his kids and grandkids activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Lana in 2015.

He leaves to celebrate his life; his children:  Craig Tripe and his wife, Lori of Alma, Melanie Fischer and her husband, Jeff of Alma, Torrey Tripe of Clatskanie, Oregon, Melinda Walker and her husband, Kevin of Lincoln and Rhett Tripe and his wife, Kris of Orleans; seven grandchildren:  Samantha Laux and her husband, John of Alma, Christopher Tripe and his wife, Hannah of Alma, Stephanie Tripe and her fiancé, Garth Walbridge of Hastings, Jon Fischer and his wife, Leah of York, Megan Ostrander and her husband, Blake of Lincoln, Rachel Walker and Lyndee Walker both of Lincoln; two great-grandchildren:  Lane and Morgan Jo Laux and an anticipated set of twins; brother, Don Tripe and his wife, Shirley of Alma; sister, Mary Janice White and her husband, Lester of Orleans; sister-in-law, Roxanne Wolzen and her husband, Dennis of Oxford; the mother of his children, Sharron Heller of Holdrege; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans.  A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. following the visitation at the church.

A memorial has been established in Bob's honor and kindly suggested to St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Orleans Chamber of Commerce and the Orleans Fire and Rescue Squad.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.