Patricia (Gaerke) Tripponi

TRIPPONI, Patricia (Gaerke), formerly of Vandalia, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. Patricia was born April 19, 1968 to Virgil and Marilyn Gaerke. This social butterfly and former model attended Vandalia Butler High School and later lived in cities all over the world before eventually finding a beautiful home on the Mediterranean Sea. Patricia and her late husband, Mario also owned and operated a successful restaurant in Port Balis, El Italiano. Patricias life was short but full of adventure. She is a true example of how to live a life. She embraced other cultures, love to paint, write, and was always excited to try something new. Patricia loved with all her heart. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mario Tripponi, her parents, Virgil & Marilyn Gaerke, and her brothers, Alvin and Calvin Gaerke, Patricia is survived by her loving brother & 4 sisters, Virgil Gaerke, Melinda Greer (Mike), Carol Webb (Steve), Joyce Leyes (Matt) and Deborah Smith (Doug); as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. A Memorial Mass will be held to celebrate Patricias life at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 31 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Vandalia with Fr. Francis Keferl officiating. The family will receive friends at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Friday evening from 4-8 pm and also on Saturday morning from 10:00 am until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patricia Tripponis name may be made to the ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Ste. 1050, Washington, DC 20005 or by visiting their website at www.ALSA.org and clicking on the Donate Now option. Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.