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.