Kenneth W. Hilpipre

Kenneth Wesley Hilpipre, son of Wesley Martin Hilpipre and Gladys Mosher Hilpipre, was born December 20, 1929 in Clarion, Iowa and died August 7, 2011 at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry, Iowa at the age of 81 years, 7 months, 18 days. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Hastings Funeral Home, Perry, Iowa, words of comfort were by Rev. Dori Collogan, Chaplain, Hospice of Central Iowa. Kenneth's honorary casket bearer was Aaron Newman, casket bearers were Bryan Clark, Nathan Hilpipre, Benjamin Ohrtman, Jesse Strable, Nicholas Morrison and Brandon Newman. His special music was The Old Rugged Cross and I've Been Everywhere. Kenneth's burial was at Elmwood Cemetery, Minburn, Iowa with military rites by Osborn American Legion Post #99, of Minburn, Iowa. Everyone was invited to a time of lunch and fellowship prepared by the ladies auxiliary, at the American Legion Hall in Minburn following the service at the cemetery. Kenneth grew up in Clarion and attended school there. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 21, 1946 and was honorably discharged August 23, 1949. Kenneth then enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves where he served from August 24, 1949 to August 23, 1953. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. Kenneth was united in marriage with Mary Jane Hudgins on June 10, 1951. Kenneth and Jane lived in Eagle Grove until they moved to Minburn in 1959. They were blessed with eight children, Colleen, Cheryl, Richard, Denise, Mark, Jeanine, Rachelle and Joline. Kenneth spent many years as a truck driver for the fuel industry. He also worked in automation for Harvestore for five years. The couple owned and operated Ken and Jane's Corner Bar and Grille in Bouton for thirteen years. He raised hogs and for many years fixed up old houses with Mark, often as supervisor! Kenneth retired in 2003. Kenneth enjoyed his membership in the Osborn American Legion Post in Minburn where he received his 50 year certificate. He was also a member of the AMVETS. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, his son Richard February 28, 1975, and his brothers Keith and Kervin. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Jane of Minburn; son Mark and wife Jodi of Bouton; daughters Colleen Boehm of Pinellas Park, FL; Cheryl McCool of Bouton; Denise Johnson and husband Neil of Raytown, MO; Jeanine Clark of Bouton; Rachelle Ohrtman and husband Larry of Perry; and Joline Newman of Iowa City; 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Kenneth is also survived by his sister Linda Lake and husband John of Cohaset, MN; sisters-in-law Nancy Hilpipre of Perry; Donna Arthur and Ruth Freeman of CA; Connie Hilpipre of Nebraska: Carla Sheriff and husband Don of MO; brother-in-law Jerry Hudgins and wife Phyllis of NC; other relatives and friends. Memorials in his name may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, Box 204 Perry, IA 515 465-4691 hastingsfh@qwestoffice.net, www.hastingsfh.com