Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2014

Born July 16, 1942, in rural Griswold, Iowa.

Education: Graduate of Griswold High School, 1960; University of Nebraska at Omaha (B.S. in finance), 1968; University of Iowa (M.A. in health policy and management), 1970.

Military service: senior corpsman, Balboa Naval Hospital, U.S. Navy, 1960-63.

Family: Married Jody Gillispie, Nov. 2, 1996: one son, S. Merle Riepe.

Former: Hospital and health care manager

Member: board of directors, Outlook Nebraska, Inc. (chair, 2010-12); president’s board of advisors, Nebraska Wesleyan University; Ralston American Legion Post #373; National Rifle Association.

Former member: American College of Healthcare Executives, 1970-2008 (fellow, 1990-2008); Medical Group Management Association, 1994-2008; governing board, Omaha Symphony, 2001-03; Nebraska Wesleyan University Omaha Club (founder and president, 2002); pediatric provider executive council, Child Health Corporation of America, 1994-98; chair, National Association of Children’s Health Related Institutions (NACHRI) strategic financial planning committee, 1992-96; national council of trustees, Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, 1990-92; health policy and management alumni board, University of Iowa, 1986-90; board of directors, Children’s Square, U.S.A., 1985-89; board of directors, Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, 1985-89; chair, Council Bluffs United Way Campaign, 1988; Friends of Scouting Campaign for Council Bluffs, 1987; finance committee, Omaha First United Methodist Church, 1979-85; Golden Eagle District, Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1982-85; executive board of directors, Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1983-85.

Honors and awards: Friend of Nebraska Wesleyan University Alumni Award, 2008