Alma R. Ripka, 93, of Owatonna, died Monday, August 8, 2011 at Cedarview Care Center. She was born November 10, 1917 in New Richland, Minnesota the daughter of Arthur and Emelia (Zwar) Schwenke. Alma attended country schools in New Richland, Sauk Centre, and Dexter. She married Anton "Tony" Ripka September 2, 1936 at the First Baptist Church in Owatonna. The couple lived in Steele County and then moved to Dodge County where they farmed together for fifty two years. Tony died December 26, 2006. Alma was a member of the First Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing, baking, was the BEST cook in the world, loved spending time with her grandchildren and was a very hard worker. She is survived by her children Lawrence 'Larry' (and Barb) Ripka of Owatonna, Art (and Mary) Ripka of Faribault, Anna Finger of Dodge Center, Leo (and special friend Elaine Schroeder) Ripka of Waseca, Gladys Mulari of Owatonna, Joyce (and Sam) Weeks of Claremont, Henry Ripka of Claremont, Evelyn (and Ron) Neubauer of Freeborn, Shirley (and special friend Lou Dietz) Ripka of Owatonna, Margaret (and Mike) Lerfald of Kenyon, Loretta (and Dave) Wencl of Owatonna, Loraine Ripka of Owatonna. She is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, 1 brother Ernest Schwenke of North Carolina, 4 sisters Cora Kubat of Northfield, Emma Mussman of Owatonna, Edna Karsten of Pennsylvania, and Ada (and Jim) Logan of Wadena. She was preceded in death by her husband, son Robert, grandson Brian, 2 brothers, 1 sister, and a daughter in law, and a son in law. Visitation will be held Thursday August 11, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Michaelson Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held Friday August 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church with Reverend Cindy Halvorson officiating. Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family. Visitation: 08/11/2011 16:00 08/11/2011 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 08/12/2011 10:00