Elmer Ernest “Ernie” Riepe, 87, of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, after a recent cancer diagnosis. A stubborn farmer at heart, Ernie faced this adversity with the same determination and faith that carried him through a lifetime of hard work.

     Ernie was born on February 23, 1939 to Wilmer and Minnie (Rubey) Riepe. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1956 and attended Parsons College before going to work in a variety of jobs - farming, construction work, bartending, car sales, real estate sales and driving cars for dealerships. He was proud of the contributions he made in shaping many areas of the Fairfield community, but mostly saved those stories for his family. He never had an official retirement date as he kept up with volunteering and driving cars up until the last few years of his life.

     Ernie never met a stranger; he was always generous with his time and talents. He was a big man, with a big heart. One of his greatest joys in life was being a member of the Fairfield Elks Lodge, BPOE #1192. He served as the local Elks Exalted Ruler from 1979-1980 and was the Iowa Elk of the Year in 1990. He participated in many worthy causes for the Elks, including serving on the state Elks Fire Safety Initiative, promoting fire safety across the state of Iowa. It features a Fire Safety Trailer for teaching young children the importance of fire safety. He and his best friend Lyle were instrumental in bringing a Freedom Rock to Jefferson County, celebrated on Veteran's Day in 2023. Ernie was also very involved in the Fairfield Trojan Booster Club, serving as president in the late 1970s and early 1980s, helping raise money to support local athletics.

     Ernie was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Fairfield. Over many years in the church, he was steadfast in his faith, which was reflected in how he lived, served others, and loved his family. Ernie married Deborah “Debbie” Jenks on October 25, 1958 and they celebrated nearly 68 years together. They had three children - Timothy, Becky (Chad) Thompson, and Sherri (Ken) Dow. He was affectionately known as “Papa” to his 6 grandchildren: Megan Thompson, Erin (Kyle) Read, Nathan (Delphina) Thompson, Eric Dow, Lauren Dow and Danielle Dow. He was an avid supporter of all his grandchildren, sitting through many a sporting event, concert, or other performance in his role as Papa, and was an “adopted grandpa” for many of his grandchildren’s teammates and friends. He often brought a gift when he came to visit, even after his grandchildren were grown. He was always up for a drive, sharing a story, cheering on the Hawkeyes, or enjoying a dessert and a cup of coffee together.

     Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Dellora Riepe; sister, Evelyn Godwin; an infant brother John; his son, Timmy; and his grandson, Eric. He is survived by his loving wife, daughters and grandchildren; great-grandson, Joel Read; brother, Paul (Barb) Riepe; sister-in-law, Margaret (Jim) Hennes; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

     Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Fairfield. A Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks service will begin at 1:45 p.m. and a Memorial Service celebrating his life to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Coffee and dessert will be served at church, following the committal service.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Elks National Foundation, First Lutheran Church, or the Fairfield Trojan Booster Club. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.