Kenneth Sippy

KENNETH NOYES SIPPY

Norway

Kenneth Noyes Sippy, 94, of rural Oxford-Norway, passed away Sunday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2017, at Hospice Care Center of Mercy surrounded by his family. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at St. John XXIII Parish, Fairfax, with Father Vu officiating. Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be directed for the family to use at their discretion. Online condolences can be sent at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth was born with his twin brother, Francis, on Oct. 24, 1922, to Dr. Burne Olin Sippy and Mae Dorothea (Driscoll) Sippy in LaGrange, Ill. He and his brother loved spending summers at a family farm in Michigan. After his father's premature death, he moved with his mother and brother to a farm near Oxford, Iowa, in the spring of 1943. He farmed the property with his brother for many years, raising corn, soybeans, hogs and beef cattle. He served in the U.S. Army Engineer Aviation Battalion from 1943-46, deployed to the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan, and witnessed their surrender. In 1948, he married Kathleen Lois Quinlan, with a honeymoon to the Grand Canyon. They had 10 children together. In 1973, he moved to his farm outside Norway, Iowa, where he and his wife continued to farm and raise children. In 2012, they traveled together to Washington, D.C., as honorees with the Veteran's Honor Flight.

Kenneth loved to read, including fantasy novels and National Geographic. He was always informed on scientific and technological developments, chiefly regarding agriculture and trains. He loved a good band and also liked the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, with "H.M.S. Pinafore" being his favorite. Kenneth appreciated a good meal but also enjoyed particular treats like Oreos, pie, donuts and licorice. He loved family gatherings, both indoors and out, joining parties and camping trips. He lived with a "work hard, play hard" attitude and instilled the same in his children. Kenneth was always happy to support his children and grandchildren. He was a staunch supporter of the Iowa State Cyclones and Chicago Cubs, and in later years was known to cheer for the Hawkeyes. He was a member of the Fairfax American Legion Pekomy Post 572.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Francis H.; and his son, Francis J.

He is survived by his dear wife of 68 years, Kathleen (Quinlan) Sippy; nine of their children and their spouses, Michelle Gerdes, Thomas (Jean) Sippy, Sheila (Larry) Trevena, Karen (Dale) Ries, Kevin (Alisa) Sippy, Brian (Marietta) Sippy, Julie (Gary) Rickert, Timothy (Yvonne) Sippy and Bridget (Scott) Peters; 25 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Brosh Funeral Service of Norway.