Ronald F. Griepp, age 65, passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on 27 October 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Helena, MT. He was born in Kalispell on January 9, 1956 to Frederick and Helen Griepp, a twin, and the only boy amongst seven sisters. A graduate of Flathead High School, he was an avid photographer and choir member. Ron learned carpentry and woodworking alongside his father as they built many of the homes around Kalispell. He married Karen E. Porteous in 1988 and continued to co-parent after 9 years of marriage, raising four children. Together, they raised four children to whom he passed on a love of building, hunting, fishing, huckleberry picking, and appreciating the little things in life. If he could have a cup of Folgers and a line in the water before the sun came up, he was happy. Ron was a humble man but you could see the path he walked was full of people made better for having met such a kind soul. You could always find him helping people out, whether it was through the church and Royal Rangers or simply showing up with a toolbox in his pickup. All he ever asked in return was that after he filled your freezer with fish and huckleberries, you did the cooking and he did the enjoying. A Montana man through and through, Ron’s greatest passion was passing on his love and appreciation for the outdoors to his children and their children. He could spot an elk or a huckleberry bush halfway up a mountain while going 60 mph and would unfailingly pull over to create a memory with whoever was riding in his truck. In this same way, Ron slowed people down and challenged them to be present with the people and beauty around them. In the past few years, he could be found at any local fishing spot in Helena, watching his grand-dogs for which he made extra pancakes, or waiting for his daughter and chatting up her co-workers. He is dearly missed by all who knew him.
Ron joins his parents and nieces, Sarah and Laura, in heaven. He is survived by:
Children: Katelyn (m. Cole Gresens), Kallai (m. Christopher Boyce), Kadeesh (m. Robert McNaught, Kaleb Griepp
Grandchildren: Jaxon & Derrick Griepp, Leo Gresens, Robert McNaught
Sisters: Mary Jo (m. Tony Wheeler), Joyce (m. Clint Weyrauch), Janice Griepp, Colleen (m. Alan Nolan), Theresa (m. Brad Empie), Ronda (m. Kevin Neitzling), Tammy Griepp
Nieces & Nephews: Andrea (Nolan) Wing, Mark Wheeler, Daniel Neitzling, Jonathan Griepp, Adyn (Neitzling) Sonju, Aubrey (Neitzling) Erickson, David Zak, Joel Empie, Timothy Nolan
Great Nieces & Nephews: Annora Wing, Emberlyn Wing, Aiden Wheeler, Alexander Wheeler, Anna Neitzling, Eva Neitzling, Zachary Neitzling, Kenadee Griepp, Maddison Griepp, Shae Sonju, Schyler Sonju, Everlee Sonju (2x great niece), Lilly Sonju (2x great niece), Noah Clinchers, Wiley Clinchers
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, 27 November at 2 p.m., 49 Tahoe Dr. All friends are welcome.
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Katelyn Griepp says
2 files added to the album Hunting
Kathy Rauch says
I so sorry to hear about Ron’s death. I went to high school with Ron and Ronda. I have been good friends with Ronda since then. The Griepp family will always have a special place in my heart. Praying for Ron’s sisters, children and family.
Robert Malberg says
I am proud to be a friend of Ron. He wasa caring, considerate, and faithful man. He loved Jesus with all of his heart. He was a skilled genius when it came to carpentry. He lived his children with all his heart. He was so proud of his children and loved sharing their accomplishments. We worked together and laughed together and encouraged one another. I will miss him deeply. Robert Malberg