Mary "Mimi" L. Smutzer

Mimi Smutzer, 78 years old, formerly of Freeport, IL died peacefully surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends on Friday November 29, 2024.

Mary Lee “Mimi” Ripple was born in Brookville, PA to Margaret Mary (née Shannon) Ripple and John Leo Ripple on October 3, 1946 and was the first of seven children.

Mimi grew up at the house her Dad built at 86 Summit Street in Brookville, PA and walked daily to attend elementary and secondary classes at Immaculate Conception School just steps away.

In 1964 she graduated from Central Catholic High School, in DuBois, Pa. Soon after graduation, her Dad accepted a job transfer and she relocated with her family to Burlington, IA.

Mimi attended Burlington Community College in Burlington, IA and for a time considered pursuing a nursing degree. While attending college she met the man she would choose to build her future life with, Robert T. “Bob” Smutzer.

Mimi and Bob were married on February 3, 1968 at St. Mary’s Church, Dodgeville, IA. After Bob accepted a job at Micro Switch, they moved to Freeport, IL where they made their home raising their children Michele, Brian and Brad.

Over the years, Mimi worked various retail, manufacturing and banking positions many of those in Freeport. She enjoyed crocheting and baking but most enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a wonderful spouse, mother and grandmother with a laugh that would engulf a room and those around her. She had a mischievous smirk, a quick wit and a tender heart the like of which we’ll not see again.

Mimi was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, John and Margaret Ripple, and her brothers Jerry Ripple and Joseph Ripple.

She will be lovingly remembered by her immediate family including her children, Michele (Doral) Reining, Freeport, Brian (Kristie) Smutzer, Rhinelander, WI and Brad (Jeniffer) Smutzer, Batavia, IL. By her grandchildren Morgan (Michael) Jacobs, Madelyn Reining, Jacob (Wendy Urbanek) Smutzer, Emma Smutzer, Ella Smutzer, Griffin Smutzer and her siblings John (Beth) Ripple, Richard (Barb) Ripple, Susan (Greg) Holtkamp and Dan (Kathryn) Ripple. Also dearly remembered by many, many family members and friends whose hearts she touched.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday December 7, 2024 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. A visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a donation to The Freeport Catholic Schools in honor of Mimi.