Donald R. Gipp, age 88, of Shawano, Wisconsin, formerly Annandale and Minnetonka, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with visitation one hour prior to the service. Deacon Steve Yanish will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Annandale.
Donald Rueben Gipp was born at home on March 23, 1936, near Shawano, Wisconsin, to Walter and Esther (Marohl) Gipp. Don grew up in Cecil, Wisconsin, and was a 1954 graduate of Bonduel, Wisconsin. With a passion for knowledge and technology, Don attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering, obtaining his Associate and Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics. He then graduated with a Master’s Degree in Electronics from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hobokin, New Jersey. On Sept. 27, 1958, Don was united in marriage to Lila M. Roberts in Milwaukee. They made their home in New Jersey, while Don worked for RCA for 10 years, before relocating to Minnetonka to raise their family. Don’s sharp intellect and innovative spirit found him employed by Honeywell for 23 years as an electrical engineer, specializing in micro-electronics, such as silicon microchips. Don officially retired in 1998, yet he found himself doing some consulting work for N.V.E. in Eden Prairie. Retirement brought Don and Lila to Annandale, to enjoy their home on Lake John. Following Lila’s death, Don returned to Shawano, Wisconsin.
Don was a man of many interests; he pursued fishing and traveling. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, instilling in them the same curiosity for the world that he cherished. Don’s love for sports, history, and technology was evident in every conversation he engaged in. He shared countless stories of his travels and experiences, reflecting a life rich with adventure and learning. His enthusiasm for life’s pursuits inspired those around him to explore and appreciate the beauty of knowledge and connection.
He is survived by his three sons, Gregory Gipp (Kathleen Shannon) of Hopkins, Ronald (Tammy) Gipp of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Michael Gipp of Apple Valley; grandchildren, Chase Storjohann, Haley Ousky, and Luci Gipp; siblings, Maynard (Marla) and Ruby (Al) Grutza both of Shawano, Wisconsin; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Esther; wife, Lila; and brothers, Frank (Joan), Robert (Jean), and Marvin (Janet).
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
The obituary, guestbook, video tribute and service webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.