Dad: Marine's services to be in his Ill. hometown

HIGHLAND, Ill. (AP) — Mourners who knew one of seven Marines killed during a Nevada training exercise will have the chance to say their goodbyes to him in his southwestern Illinois hometown.

The father of Aaron Ripperda tells The Associated Press that plans are being made to have the body of his 26-year-old son's wake in Highland, just east of St. Louis. A funeral Mass will be held at that city's St. Paul Catholic Church.

Kent Ripperda says specifics of the visitation and funeral won't be finalized until there's word about when Aaron Ripperda's body will be returned from Nevada.

Ripperda was killed Monday during an explosion at the Hawthorne Army Depot. The 2005 Highland High School graduate was two months from ending his Marines service.

Meridith Funeral Home in Highland is handling arrangements.