R. Neil Cripe, 86, Bremen, celebrated his arrival in heaven Aug. 21, 2016 following a lengthy illness.

Neil was born Aug. 10, 1930 to Harold and Elsie (Baugher) Cripe of Bremen. He married Doris Clindaniel, his high school sweetheart and forever dancing partner, 65 years ago Feb. 10, 1951.

Doris lives in Bremen with her children nearby. Family members include one son, Scott (Jody) Cripe, Bremen; two daughters: Patty (Brent) Lineberry, Bremen; and Kay Kelley, Nappanee.

His precious daughter, Karen Collins of Naples, Fla., preceded him in death in 2007.

Neil was loved by six grandchildren: Drs. Grady (Katie) Randall, Denver, Colo.; Dr. Connor (Christina) Randall, Santa Cruz, Calif.; Clay Collins and Molly Collins, Orlando, Fla.; and Olivia Cripe and Nathan Cripe, Bremen. He was recently blessed with his first great granddaughter, Greer Elizabeth Randall, Denver, Colo.

Neil was a lifelong resident of Bremen, serving his community with joy. He was a talented furrier with Kimble Furs of Bremen, an active member and President of Jaycees in his younger years, and an elected member of the Town Board of Bremen for eight years. He proudly earned a 12 gallon donation pin from the local Blood Bank. Having served during the Korean War from 1951-1953, he remained very active in the V.F.W. of Bremen. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ. Neil found great joy in woodworking, refinishing furniture and planning yearly canoe trips to Canada with friends and family. His sense of humor, love of God’s nature, and tremendous work ethic will be remembered by his loving family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 24, in Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331, Bremen. A celebration service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, in the funeral home with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow in Bremen Cemetery with full military honors.

The family prefers memorial donations to be made in Neil’s memory to Hospice of Great Lakes Caring, 2515 N. Bendix Dr., Ste 100, South Bend, IN 46628 or First United Church of Christ, 323 S. Center St., Bremen, IN 46506.