Gail Cripe

Gail J. Cripe, 76, of Jolley, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Fonda Specialty Care.

A Celebration of Life to honor and remember Gail's life and legacy will be Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Calhoun County Expo, Rockwell City.

Gail was born on November 23, 1948, in Lake City, Iowa, to Merle Cripe and Ruth (Clark) Pecoy.

He graduated from Rockwell City High School in 1967, after which he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably in Vietnam until his discharge in 1970. Later that year he married Joan Mallinger in Fort Dodge. The couple made their home in Fort Dodge, later moving to Knierim and then to Maine before returning to Iowa. Gail's dedication to service led him to a career in law enforcement. He served as a police officer in Lake City, later becoming police chief in Coon Rapids, and then served in Carroll. He eventually transitioned into corrections, where he spent the majority of his career at the Rockwell City Correctional Facility, retiring as a Captain after 25 years.

Gail was also a true entrepreneur. In addition to his work in law enforcement, he ran a restaurant, raised cattle, operated a welding shop, and trained dogs for the North Central Canine Search and Rescue. He was deeply passionate about firearm safety and education, serving as a firearms instructor and earning first place in the Iowa State Policeman's Pistol Shoot in 1975. An accomplished marksman and outdoorsman, Gail enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the occasional round of golf.

Gail is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joan Cripe of Jolley; his son, Travis (Michelle) Cripe of Jupiter, FL; his grandchildren, Chris, Ellery, and Alister of Florida, and Madalynn, Cailey, and Caitlynn of Fort Dodge; and his sister, Karyn Juilfs (Paul) of Pomeroy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ryan Cripe; his infantsister , Sara Cripe; and his half-sister, Myrla Kloster.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Calhoun County Canine Shelter, an organization close to Gail's heart.