Ralph PIPPERT

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PIPPERT: Dr. Ralph R. Pippert, 92 of Kiel died Sunday morning August 31, 2014 at his home. He was born on March 23, 1922 on the Pippert Homestead near Howards Grove, son of the late George F. & Louise H. (Berndt) Pippert. Ralph was raised on an 80 dairy farm and attended school in Howards Grove. He was a 1939 graduate of Howards Grove High School. He went on to further his education at Mission House College (Lakeland College) and received a B.A. in English in 1944. Ralph then attended the University of Wisconsin where he received his M.S. in 1950 and his PhD in 1959 both in Guidance with an English minor. Ralph was a high school English Teacher and Guidance Counselor in Howards Grove, Random Lake and Watertown. He later served as a Professor, Guidance Counselor and Faculty Advisor at Mission House College (4 years), University of Massachusetts (8 years), University of Manitoba (3 years), Southern Illinois University (2 years) and was a Dean and Professor at Brandon University in Manitoba for 18 years until his retirement in 1988. Ralph also instructed teachers for 10 summers in Malawi. He was an accomplished author having many short stories and professional articles published. Ralph also enjoyed traveling for his profession and visiting his family throughout the U.S. and Canada. In his free time he liked to do research on self fulfilling prophecy, oil painting, poetry, write short stories, wood carving and hunting. In more recent years he enjoyed reading stories to residents of local nursing homes. Ralph was an active member of St. Peter UCC, Kiel were he taught confirmation classes and served on the consistory. Ralph touched the lives of many people who he knew through his teachings and the work he did at High Schools and Universities. Ralph had previously been married to Harriet Sprenger. He was united in marriage to the former Theresa Fydenkevez and she preceded him in death. Survivors include his children; Christine Marcoullier of Massachusetts, Eric (Priscilla) Pippert of Oregon, Rolf (Nicole) Pippert of North Carolina, Mark (Sherry) Pippert of Nova Scotia. 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother; Pierre Pippert of South Dakota and a sister; Twilite Schroeder of Cedar Lake, along with nieces, nephews other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa, a daughter Dianne Pippert, two brothers; Ray & Glen Pippert; two sisters; Hazel Thompson & Dawn Kissinger. Funeral services for Ralph will be held at 5:00 pm on Thursday September 4, 2014 at St. Peter UCC (424 Fremont St. Kiel) with the Rev. Judine Duerwaechter officiating. Family and friends may call at the church on Thursday from 2:00 pm until 4:45 pm when we will have brief family rites. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name. Ralph's family would like to thank the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Ralph and his family. Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home of Kiel is assisting with funeral arrangements. Online condolences at www.meiselwitzfh.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 04, 2014