Ripstein Archie C. Ripstein, 92, of Cheektowaga, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012.

Mr. Ripstein grew up on a farm near Bennington, N.Y., with eight siblings and attended a one-room schoolhouse.

He joined the U.S. Army and served during the final push through Germany to end World War II. He was recognized with the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon leaving the service, he was superintendent for Thornton Guardrail. He later started his own excavating contracting company.

Mr. Ripstein was also an inventor. He took his knowledge of his business and invented and patented several innovative devices that brought cost savings to the industry. He invented the Power Mole, which pushed pipe under roads without having to excavate the road.

At home he devised tools that simplified everyday tasks.

Mr. Ripstein loved the outdoors and had a large garden from which he supplied vegetables to neighbors.

He also enjoyed spending time at his cabin, hunting, fishing, ice fishing, wine making and wood carving and cared deeply about preserving and respecting nature.

He will be remembered most for his devotion to his family.

Mr. Ripstein is survived by his wife, Agnes R.; one son, Ronald; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Christian; and one sister, Audrey.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Jan. 30, from St. Gregory the Great Church with arrangements made by Amigone Funeral Home.