Ralph Jipson

Ralph Jipson
April 9, 1913 - July 28, 2014

Ralph Jipson, 101, of Oelwein passed away on Monday July 28, 2014. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday July 31, 2014 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday August 1, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein with Rev. Leo Combs-Lay officiating. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.

Ralph Ira Jipson was born on April 9, 1913 near Oelwein, IA to parents Ira and Minnie (Schwartz) Jipson. He married Irene Gletty on January 22, 1939 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein by Reverend H.S. Schiffler. They were married 73 years, seven months, and three days. They lived on the family farm until they were semi-retired and then moved to the farm up the road. Ralph resided at Grandview Healthcare until his death.

Ralph attended Crab Apple Country School and graduated from Oelwein High School in 1931. He was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Farm Bureau, served on the Oelwein Creamery Board and was Oran Township Clerk for 27 years.

Ralph enjoyed traveling, playing cards, bingo, and visiting with family and friends.

Left to celebrate Ralph’s life is his daughter Shirley Skrobecki of Lincoln, NE; his son Ronald and wife Sandy Jipson of Oelwein; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; as well as many friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Irene; his daughter Sharon Schuller; his parents Ira and Minnie Jipson; his sisters Elsie Suhr and Mabel Garnier.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society and Zion Lutheran Church.

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Donna Gloede on August 12, 2014 at 9:34 PM said:

I just wanted to let the whole family of Ralph & Irene know what a Joy they were to have as my residents at Grandview. I didn't find out about Ralph until his services were over as I was on vacation at the time & how very very sad I was to hear that I missed telling him my good-byes. He was such a sweetheart & very patient with all of us c.n.a.'s at Grandview & always bragged to everyone how good I was to him & his dear wife Irene whom he talked about all the time. I love you Ralph & Irene & you both are greatly missed by me & I want to say I am very sorry that I wasn't there for him during his last days. God Bless you Ronnie & your whole family & Thank You for sharing your mom & dad with me they were two of the best residents anyone could ask for.Love: Donna Gloede- Ralph & Irene's C.N.A.

Mary Jo Quinn Mai on August 1, 2014 at 7:07 AM said:

Ralph and Irene were lifelong friends of my parents Clem and Margie Quinn. My parents loved to play cards and visit with them. I tried to stay in contact with Ralph even though my parents are gone. Ralph had maintained his great sense of humor and he was such a gentleman. He always made sure to tell your about his sweetheart Irene. When Ralph turned 100 my twin grandsons were born and boy did he get a kick out of hearing about that event. I am happy Ralph is back with Irene. My sympathy to the Jipson family but you should be very proud of how many people loved your Dad.

Alana Higgins on July 31, 2014 at 8:20 PM said:

I worked at Grandview, and I loved serving Ralph his morning breakfast. He was always so polite and kind. He would always thank me for putting jelly on his toast, and told me how he appreciated my help. And if he accidently spilled his juice all he could do is apologize to me, and I would tell him that it was alright. Yes I will miss serving Ralph, and his kindness. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
I pray that Ralphs family may find peace, and strenght. May Allah(God) watch over you and keep you strong. Ameen

Bob Rasmussen on July 31, 2014 at 4:36 PM said:

I wish it were possible for me to attend Ralph's funeral. He was a great friend to my parents (Leo and Gloria) and one of my favorite family friends. I feel privileged to have known him my entire life and fondly recall the regular gatherings of our families when I was a boy, especially pheasant hunting with Ron, Ralph, my dad, and, of course, Ruff. Ralph always beamed a smile and was such a positive and enthusiastic person - a role model for me. I last visited with him following my mother's internment at Woodlawn Cemetery last year. We had a wonderful visit, and he proudly showed me all the watches that he won playing bingo at Grandview - always the enthusiast. My deepest sympathy to Shirley, Ron, Sandy, and families. Please take solace in knowing that you father, grandfather, great grandfather made this world a better place and a difference in the lives he touched.

Bob Rasmussen
Tampa, Florida

Shery, Dick/Dalene Gosse & Families on July 30, 2014 at 10:39 PM said:

Shirley,Ron/Sandy & Family: Many good memories of all these years as neighbors/friends and relatives thru Ira. All many good memories of everyone in your family. Glad you held on to reach 101 yrs. old, Ira lived a good age too. Many from our neighborhood/relatives now gone. Sad, these were our leaders in our community and at church. Cherish the memories. Reach out to family n friends who are here for you always. See you soon. Always be close with your family and siblings.
Shery, John, Dick, Dalene and family.

Deb Schwartz Harkness on July 30, 2014 at 6:48 AM said:

Our dad, Eben Schwartz, considered Ralph a true friend & neighbor. After our mother passed away & dad grew lonely he would often speak of his visiting with Ralph & how much he enjoyed the visits. He's speak of how they always hashed over the 'good ol' farming days'. Our sympathy goes out to the Jipson family....Deb, Connie & Barb Schwartz

Alexis Rausch on July 29, 2014 at 9:02 PM said:

Ralph, where to start...one of the sweetest guys I have ever had the honor of taking care of. He put a smile on your face without ever trying, always so polite and sweet. I loved going into his room and him showing me his bingo money stashed in his kleenex box, asking me "do you think it's okay there? No one will steal it will they?" Or the story about him and his wife that I probably heard 50 times, but the joy in his voice and the love that he had for her was so amazing it never got old! To the Jipson family, i'm so sorry for your loss but know that heaven gained another wonderful angel and he's up there dancing with Irene happy as can be!

linda schroeder--sumner;iowa on July 29, 2014 at 4:32 PM said:

ralph was a great guy he like to visit talked a lot about farming will be greatly missed

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