Howard Whipps

Howard “Howie” Sylvester Whipps, 97, of Mondovi, passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at the Hillview Assisted Living, Mondovi.
He was born on March 31, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Muriel Whipps. Howard grew up in Le Centre, Minn., and attended school there.
He married Crystal (Knight) Eisele in 1959. He became a loving stepfather of Keith, Chyrel, Daryl, and Kathy and together the couple welcomed two daughters, Phyllis and Sylvia. They later divorced. In 1975, he married Ruth Bruvold Parr and became the stepfather of Greg, Dell and Diane. Ruth passed away on Oct. 1, 1997.
Through his working years, Howard had several jobs, including working on the family farm in Minnesota. He worked at a fishing resort as a ferry driver and later he moved to Northern Wisconsin and worked in the lumber industry. In 1965, he came to Mondovi and worked at the Farmers Lumber Company, until they closed. In his retirement he still stayed busy as a volunteer driver for Buffalo County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), which he thoroughly enjoyed for many years.
Howard was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi. He was an expert fisherman and fished almost every lake in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He was a huge fan of George Jones and loved listening to his music. He also liked watching The Three Stooges, which always brought much laughter, and enjoyed going to the casino with friends.
Everyone that knows Howard knew he loved broasted chicken, custard pie, and most of all, chocolate chip cookies.
Even though he was short in stature, he was looked upon by many as a gentle giant because of his loyalty, dedication, and compassion for others. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving and dedicated son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his daughter, Phyllis (Shane) Wilson of Rockford, Ill.; three grandchildren, Tiffany (Barry) Kirchner, Crystal (Tom) Rondone and Nathan Wilson, all of Rockford, Ill.; four great-grandchildren, Austin, Grant and Ryan Kirchner, and Nolan Rondone; three stepchildren, Greg (Claire) Parr of Strum, Dell (Debbie Smith) Parr of Cumberland, Diane Parr of Chippewa Falls; six step-grandchildren, Richard (Kristi), Michael, Joshua (Sara), Kyle, Kelsey, Amber (James); nine step-great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kaylee, Allison, Kasen, Evan, Quentin, Jackson, Rozlyn, Tristan; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Whipps; daughter, Sylvia Whipps; mother, Muriel Whipps.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi, with Rev. Paul Woebbeking officiating. A private burial will follow in Oak Park Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.
Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home, Mondovi, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com.