Robert J. Kippes, 82, has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
Robert's story began in 1933, and unfolded across the years that followed.
Robert held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of service shapes more than the one who serves.
Robert J. Kippes, 82 of Parker died Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls. As per his request his body was donated to USD School of Medicine and services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Robert Joseph Kippes was born on May 25, 1933 at Marion, SD to Vincent and Margaret (Bannwarth) Kippes, the oldest of six children. He served in the US Marine Corps for 14 years, having served Embassy Duty in Saigon and later as a recruiter in Bismarck and Mankato. On April 22, 1957 he was united in marriage to Francis Johnson at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Amarillo, Texas. After his military discharge in 1965 the family returned to South Dakota. Robert was the owner and operator of the Gambles Hardware Store and Kippes Greenhouse in Parker. He was active in the community, VFW Post 2821, and St. Christina's Catholic Church. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Francis; a daughter Karen (Tom) Treloar, Palm Beach, FL; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; a brother Tom (Carol) Kippes, Lewisville, TX; and 3 sisters LaVonne (Orville) Aman, New Prague, MN, Carol (Duane) Pistulka, Tea, SD, and Charlotte (Pete) Jensen, Parker. He was preceded in death by is parents and a brother Gerald.
