Gipple, Dean H.

Dean H. Gipple, 92, of Columbus Junction, died at Colonial Manor Home on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. The family will receive friends at the Presbyterian Church in Columbus Junction at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 13, and a memorial service will follow at 10 a.m.

Memorials for Dean may be made to the Spring Run Church or the United Presbyterian Home of Washington, Iowa.

Dean Hamilton Gipple was born on the family farm in the Pitch In community of Louisa County on Sept. 7, 1917, to Frank and Francine Gipple. He graduated from Wyman High School. Dean married Ruth Lois Williams on Nov. 24, 1938. He farmed until back injuries forced him to give it up and began selling insurance for Farm Bureau from which he retired in 1987.

Dean was a 4-H leader, school board member and was active at Spring Run Church. Dean enjoyed wood working, photography, hunting and fishing. He also restored pioneer cemeteries, helped pass and present law to protect them, and was a founding member of the State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; and two of his brothers, Max and Junior.

Dean is survived by his older brother, Ray of Florissant, Mo.; his children, Danny (Joyce), Melvin “Red” (Irene), Susie (Jim) Stoutner, Nancy (Bob) Thorkildson and Alice (Todd) Redalen; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.