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Seth Mouritsen
For those of you who had the good fortune to have been one of his students, a true Skyline legend has passed away. I will forever be grateful for the lessons he taught me, both in the classroom and out.
Donald Hilton Ripplinger
August 13, 1927 ~ April 19, 2025
Donald Hilton Ripplinger passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, in American Fork, Utah, at the age of 97.
Born on August 13, 1927 in Ogden, Utah, Don was the son of Tannie Hilton Ripplinger and John Henry Ripplinger.
He was raised in a loving family, the third of nine children. After the passing of his mother when he was just six, Don and his siblings Jay, Edith, Dan and Jeanette were blessed with a second mother, Nona Hardy Ripplinger who, alongside his father, continued to raise the family with faith and devotion. She and Henry added four more siblings: Diane, Valeen, Leon, and Mark.
Don discovered his love of music at an early age. He sang in music class daily and played piano for the school orchestra at Lorin Farr Elementary. This passion grew throughout his years at Ogden High School, where he graduated in 1945. That summer he enlisted in the Merchant Marines at age 17, where he served in the Pacific for two years as a fireman, water-tender, and oiler. Even during his service, Don continued to share his musical talents, playing the organ for chaplain services at sea.
After finishing his service 1947, Don was called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern Canadian Mission. One of his responsibilities in the mission again put his musical talents to good use as he played in a quartet touring the mission playing music to draw people in. They played everything from folk songs to spirituals and hymns.
After returning, he met the love of his life, Myra Jane Fowler. Their first date was on March 9, 1950, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 22, 1950.
At the time of their marriage, Don was attending Weber College, where he earned an associate degree and served as student body president. He continued his education at Brigham Young University, graduating in 1954 with a degree in music education. He went on to complete a master's degree in 1965 and a Ph.D. in education administration from the University of Utah in 1968.
Don dedicated much of his life to music education. From 1954 to 1970, he led successful music programs at Beaver High School, Olympus Junior High, and Skyline High School in Utah. In 1970, he moved his family to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. There, he was head of music education, conducted the University Choir and Singers, chaired the graduate music program, and ran the Point Music Camp, a summer program for junior and senior high school students.
Don loved working with young people and believed deeply in their potential. A sign in his classroom at Skyline read: "TRUE DISCIPLINE: THE ORDERING OF THE SELF BY THE SELF." He lived by this principle, inspiring his students to do the same. He taught them to become their best self.
In 1975, Don accepted the choral music education position at BYU. Along with the curriculum required for students who wanted to teach in public schools, he conducted the University Chorale and was in charge of the summer music program for high school students. He retired from BYU in 1990.
Upon accepting the position at BYU in 1975, Don was called to be the Associate Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, working with Jerold Ottley. After more than 20 years of dedicated service, he retired in January 1996. Myra and four of their children, along with a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law all sang in the Choir.
Don and Myra served as full-time missionaries in the Johannesburg South Africa Mission from 1996 to 1998.
Don's faith was central to his life. He served in multiple bishoprics, in a district presidency in Wisconsin, where he also taught institute, as a stake high councilor, and in the Young Men's program. He shared his musical talents in numerous ward and stake choirs, composing and arranging to fit the needs of each choir's strengths. His choral arrangements and original pieces reflect his faith, most often in the Savior's words.
Though his professional and spiritual accomplishments were many, Don will be remembered most for his love and devotion to his family. He lived and taught eternal values, always mindful of the legacy he left behind: "How will they know when they at last are grown? What will they give to children of their own?... How will they know unless we teach them so?"
Don was preceded in death by his parents Tannie and John Henry Ripplinger, Nona, wife Myra, siblings Jay, Edith, Dan, Jeanette, and Valeen, and grandson Donald Richard Ripplinger.
He is survived by his beloved children: Rex (Debbie), Lynne (Kent), Curtis (Kristyl), Jane (David), Cary (Evelyn), Hilton (Elizabeth), and Shannon (Scott); his siblings Diane, Leon, and Mark; 39 grandchildren; 106 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
We as a family want to thank Shannon and Scott for their loving care of Dad. "Thank you" is hardly enough.
We also express deep gratitude to Utah Home, Health and Hospice for their compassionate care in Don's final days.
Funeral services for Don will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, located at 400 North 1100 East (North County Boulevard), American Fork, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah and also at an additional viewing on Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church.
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