Rev. Fred Wippich

December 23, 1929 – June 12, 2024

Rev. Fred Wippich was the first of five children to be born December 23, 1929 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Fred and Marian Wippich. He passed away on June 12, 2024 at Bonaventure Senior Living at the age of 94.

Having earned his Master of Divinity at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, Pastor Wippich was a professor of Latin, Greek and religious studies as well as an administrator at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas for over 30 years. Following that, he became the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Independence, Kansas until he and his wife Ethel retired to The Ozarks near Branson, Missouri where he enjoyed fishing, gardening, boating, and attending shows in Branson. He was civically active as a member of the park board, helping at polling stations, and donating gallons of blood to Red Cross over his lifetime. He was instrumental in forming the Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran church in Forsyth, Missouri, where he also did pastoral vacancy work for a time.

Pastor Wippich married Ethel Emberland in 1950 in Portland, Oregon on his 21st birthday. They had three children: Nancy, Jon, and Steve. Two months before their 60th wedding anniversary, Ethel passed away.

He married long time family friend Helen Biberdorf Voll on December 26, 2011, moving to Lake Park, Minnesota. He loved her children (David, Richard, Ann, and Nancy) and their families. Helen passed away in April, 2022.

Pastor Wippich was an avid fan of the LA Dodgers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. He always loved singing, especially in church choirs. He was always full of energy, upbeat, and loved connecting with people. Walking and daily exercise were a part of his routine. His kids agree that he was a great role model: kind, caring, supportive, faithful, and basically a Godly example to all.

He is survived by children Nancy Colburn (and Brad), Jon Wippich (and Tracey), and Steve Wippich, grandchildren Jeff, Shaun, and Joel Hastings, 9 great grand children, and one great, great grandchild. He is preceded in death by siblings Elsworth, DeLloyd, Marilyn, and Marvin.

Pastor Wippich’s funeral was held on June 21 in Thornton, Colorado.

He is being interred in Branson, Missouri on Friday, June 28 at 10 a.m.. Internment will be held:

Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery
1638 E State Hwy 76
Branson, MO 65616

Well done, good and faithful servant!