Pastor Fred Wippich

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 masters of divinity at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, Fred 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.

Fred 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.

Fred 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.

Some of his favorite things:

Chinese food, popcorn, butterscotch hard candies, gum, sweets of all kind, food in general. All his grandkids knew where his candy stash was!

An early recycler and finisher of leftovers, Fred came from a time when you didn’t waste anything.

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.

Memorial donations can be made to The Lutheran Hour.

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