Charles W. Griepp

Charles W. Griepp, 90, rural Sisseton, SD, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2016, at his residence.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the Family Life Assembly of God Church in Sisseton with Rev. Vernal Donnell officiating. Music will be provided by Del and Krystal Williams, Sarah Aadland, June Evenson, Jenna Richards and Meranda Shindelbower.
Burial will be in the Sisseton Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be former police officers, dispatchers and bus drivers who worked with Charles. Active pallbearers will be Bradley Griepp, Ritchy Griepp, Steven Richards, Jeffrey Smith, Matthew Lutjens, and Charles Richards. Military honors will be provided by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post 50 of Sisseton and the Fort Sisseton VFW Post 3342.
Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Family Life Assembly of God Church in Sisseton. Visitation will continue Monday one hour prior to the service at the church. The Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt is in charge of the arrangements.
Charles William was born August 8, 1926, to Rudolph and Meta (Wutke) Griepp in Dupree, SD. He graduated from Sisseton High School in 1944. After graduation, he continued to farm with his dad near Sisseton. On December 8, 1950, Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on August 21, 1952, because he was needed back home after his brother Noel became ill. For his service, Charles received the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Camp Stars and the UN Service Medal. Charles then returned to the family farm.
On October 22, 1960, Charles married Janet Tasa at the Assembly of God Church in Sisseton. In 1966, in addition to his farming, Charles started driving school bus and working as a police officer in Sisseton. He retired from farming in 1976. He continued working on the police force until 1996 and drove bus until 1998.
Charles was a member of the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post 50 and the Fort Sisseton VFW Post 3342. Charles also served as a deacon at the Assembly of God church.
Charles loved all animals, hunting, watching the farmers harvest, gardening and in his younger days loved riding horses. His most favorite past time was spending time in God's word and prayer. Charles gave his life to the Lord at an early age and continued to faithfully serve Him until he heard the precious words from his Saviour, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
Survivors include five children, Jodi (Gus) Lutjens of Sisseton, Bradley (Diane) Griepp of Watertown, Kristi (Steven) Richards of Sisseton, Ritchy (Dawn) Griepp of Humboldt, SD, and Robyn (Jeffrey) Smith of Sisseton; ten grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; and his grandson, Kenneth Charles Lutjens.