Nathan Daniel Ripke

Nathan Daniel Ripke passed away unexpected Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.

Nathan, son of Daniel and Mary (Howard) Ripke, was born Aug. 4, 1987, in Bryan, Ohio. Growing up, he was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication and eagerness to excel. Nathan graduated from Defiance High School in 2006. His passion for sports took off during these informative years, lettering in basketball and baseball. He was an active member in DECA, which fueled his interest for business logistics and leadership.

Nathan continued his education at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. He leveraged his strengths in his career path and took on several challenges, from sports writer for the Defiance Crescent News and Myrtle Beach Sun Times, to doing logistical operations with the National Student Leadership Conferences. His experience in logistics and research led him to the Less Than Truckload Industry. Nathan played a pivotal role as regional manager of weights and inspections for Old Dominion Freight Line. With years of experience and passion for freight classification, he returned to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) as the director of commodity and standards development.
Nathan loved and cherished his family. He enjoyed playing creative new games with his children and coaching them in basketball and baseball. They often traveled to the beach and led a very active lifestyle.

It is with great sadness that Nathan is survived by his parents; wife, Ashley Ripke; and children, Cole (7), Raelynn (5) and Madison (3); siblings, Brandon Ripke (Tiffany Scarola), Chris (Jodi) Ripke, Danielle (Ben) Brown; grandparents, James and Jean Howard.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles (Betty) Ripke and Bob (Doris) Chenhall.

A private memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance, OH. 

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Defiance High School Athletic Department or the Ripke children’s education.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nathan Daniel Ripke, please visit our floral store.