Dorothy K. Trippel's Obituary
Dorothy K. Trippel, 86, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, in Tacoma, WA. Her family, along with many friends, has lost a wonderful human being.
Dorothy was born on November 4, 1939, in Coloma, MI, the daughter of George and Myrtle (Lockhart) Reber. She moved from Benton Harbor, MI, to Tacoma, WA, as a child. She was a class of 1958 graduate of Stadium High School, and married her beloved husband, Alvin (Al) Trippel, in July of that year.
Dorothy was happiest when surrounded by her family. Besides spending time with loved ones, her passions were cooking and baking for family and friends, gardening, reading, and bowling. For many years she was a member of the league bowling team, the Adams Street Aces. Many treasured memories were also made on family camping trips.
Dorothy’s career was focused on taking care of others. She ran a daycare center from the family home for many years before taking on the role of daycare director at a local church. She also worked as a cook at a hospital, a retirement community, and a daycare center.
Those who will miss Dorothy the most include her loving husband of 67 years Al, daughters Teresa Trippel (child Brett Burden) and Kathleen Stivers (husband PJ Stivers, children Meghan Farris, Andre’ Gervais, Kaitlyn Gervais (husband Caden), Evan Stivers (wife Haley)), sons Michael Trippel (wife Shelly, children Tyler Trippel, Leah Trippel) and Roger Trippel (wife Heather, children Alex Trippel, Charlie Trippel), four great-grandchildren, sisters Sandi Harkcom (Jim) and Betty Rees (Brian), and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Carol Kirby and Toni Irish, and brothers Larry Reber and Kenneth Reber.
The family would like to thank the kind-hearted memory care staff at Cogir at the Narrows who took great care of Dorothy, loving her like family.
Memorial and private graveside services for Dorothy will be held in January. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.
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