Gary W. Hilpipre

Gary Walter Hilpipre, 56, of rural Woolstock, entered into eternal life, March 14, 2009, from the Mercy Hospital in Mason City, after a valiant 13 year battle with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Funeral services for Gary Hilpipre will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion with Pastor Geoffrey White officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion, Iowa.  Services are under the direction of Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 121 3rd Ave. N.W. in Clarion and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Gary was born on August 25, 1952, to Marvin and Doris (Baxter) Hilpipre in Clarion, Iowa.  He graduated from Clarion High School in 1970.  

On November 15, 1975, Gary was united in marriage to Anita Mennig.  To this union, three children were born:  BriAnne, Garrett and Greg.

Gary was baptized and confirmed in the United Church of Christ, Congregational in Clarion and remained an active member.  He enjoyed serving on various committees, especially the Diaconate Board.  Gary dedicated his life to the Lord and to his family.  

He farmed for over 25 years until the effects of cancer and related treatments prevented him from continuing.  Gary worked for Nelson Plumbing and Heating when his health permitted.  

He loved his family, church, friends and his time spent at their cabin in Minnesota.  Gary liked being outdoors; especially fishing, boating, gardening, rock collecting and bird watching.  He was a member of the Clarion Coin Club and the Inguadona Lakes Association.  

A wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude contributed to the quality of his and others’ lives. He believed that God determined everything for the best and Gary put his faith in Him.  

He is survived by his wife, Anita, three children, BriAnne of Des Moines; Garrett and Greg of Denver, Colorado; his mother, Doris Hilpipre of Clarion, his brother, Terry (Kathy) Hilpipre of Fulton, Missouri; sisters-in-law Laurie (Bill) Leonard of St. Peters, Missouri, and Cheryl (Steven) Ellis of Clarion; aunts Donnabelle Moats of Britt, Phyllis Hughes of Clear Lake, and Mary Kerch of Clarion, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father.