Margaret Ann "Peg" Suenkel

Peg was born in Coeur d’Alene on January 17, 1949, to Patricia “Pat” (Roche) and N.F. “Babe” Riplinger, Jr. The elder of twins, she became a big sister to seven siblings over the next sixteen years. Her family was active in St. Thomas Catholic Church, and she attended IHM, graduating in 1967. She continued her education at North Idaho College and the University of Idaho, graduating with degrees in general and special education. She spent nearly 30 years teaching students with disabilities in communities across North Idaho until she retired in 2010.

In 1973, she married Norm Suenkel. The couple lived in Orofino, Grangeville, and Coeur d’Alene, where they had two children, Katie and Tim. In 1984, the family moved to Priest River, living there until 1997, when Peg and Norm moved to St. Maries. Eventually the couple settled in Hayden, where they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on August 4. 

Peg had a huge heart for children, was viewed by many as a second mom, and was thrilled when she became a grandmother. She loved spending time with family, being on the St. Joe River, and crafting.

Peg was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jim Riplinger. 

She is survived husband, Norm; son, Tim Suenkel; daughter, Katie (Justin) Graupman; grandson, Acadian Suenkel; granddaughter Anna Graupman; her twin, Larry Riplinger, brothers Jack and Mike (Cynthia) Riplinger; sisters Susie Riplinger, Barb Kirkpatrick, and Mary (John) Gier; sisters-in-law Meg (Mike) Andrews and Nancy Davis; nieces Jeni (Adam) Hegsted, Kaitlyn (Andrew) Campbell, Sydney Gier, Shannon Riplinger, Kim (Richard) Goffe, Kirsten Oliver, Kelly (Tim) Smith, Leah Andrews and Krista (Saeed) Shahini;  nephews Mike Kirkpatrick, Mick Riplinger, Niklaus and Gabriel Gier, and Tristan Riplinger; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. 4th St., in Coeur d’Alene, ID.