Gerald enlisted in the United States Army Reserve obtaining an E6 rank honorable discharge on November 30, 1969. He started flying lessons in Missouri at Fort Leonard Wood and continued once he returned home with Fred Heidelbauer at the Sac City Municipal Airport.
Gerald started farming in 1962 with his brothers Ralph and Urban. They formed Tripp Brothers Partnership raising hogs, cattle, and growing crops. In 1975, they added a ranch near Gillette, WY; a cow-calf operation as well as hay. Gerald retired in 2022 due to health issues.
On June 24, 1972, Gerald married Charlotte Clausen in Ida Grove, IA. This union was blessed with two children, Marie and Jeremy. Gerald was a member of Silver Creek United Methodist Church in rural Galva, IA.
Gerald enjoyed traveling with Charlotte over the years and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Tripp of Schaller, IA; children Marie Peluso of Florida and Jeremy (Lucie) Tripp of Czech Republic; granddaughters Kathryn Morris, Christina Peluso, and Emma Tripp; brother Ralph Tripp of Schaller, IA; sister-in-law Dolly Tripp of Denison, IA; nieces and nephews Roxy Neumann, Charles Clausen, Billie Jo Clausen, Carolyn Noess, Marsha Kephart, Duane Petersen, and Becky Venneman; brother-in-law William Clausen of Lake View, IA; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Randall and May Tripp; brother Urban Tripp; sisters-in-law Wilma (Roger) Petersen and Mary Joan Clausen; nephew Nathan Tripp; niece Patricia Richardson; numerous aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, the family will be donating memorials to Silver Creek United Methodist Church.
