Joe Hipple Obituary

Joe Hipple Resident of Livermore, CA Joe passed away peacefully on Dec 1, 2013. Joseph was born on Sept. 28, 1924 in Waterman, IL and passed away in Livermore on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. He excelled in wrestling and track in high school and later at the University of Arizona in Tuscon. Before finishing at Tuscon, he left college to serve in the US Army during World War II. He served on an anti-aircraft gun crew in Europe, entering Normandy 5 days after D-day. Returning to Tuscon, he finished his BS in 1949, then finished a Master's degree at UC Berkeley in 1953. He was married to Jane in 1951. They lived most of their married life in Lafayette in the house that Joe built. Joe taught at Pleasant Hill High School for many years, mostly teaching Chemistry and other science courses plus coaching wrestling and track. During his teaching career, he profoundly influenced countless young people. He retired from the Mt Diablo School District in 1983 and moved to Nevada City, CA where he built a house to live in. After that project was done, he returned to the class room as a substitute teacher at Nevada Union High School for 10 years where he continued to be a positive force in the lives of many students. Joe was active in the American Field Service (AFS) foreign student exchange program, Boy Scouts, Sister City programs, and a variety of student clubs at the high school. Joe is survived by his wife, Jane; his sons David (and Lisa) Hipple of Livermore, CA and Benjamin Hipple of McCall, ID; and four grandchildren. Memorial and celebration of life service will be on January 4, 2014 at 1 PM, at Hillcrest Congregational Church , 404 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. Donations in memory of Joe can be made to the American Field Service at www.afsusa.org/donate

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Published by Contra Costa Times on Dec. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Hipple

8 Entries

Jim Belding

January 3, 2014

Mr. Hipple was my Homeroom Teacher for 4 years (1961-1965) and my every high school day started with him. He was a very patient man with a great subtle sense of humor. I also had him for chemistry. I had a great deal of respect for him as a teacher and as a man.

Abby Young

January 2, 2014

I never had Mr. Hipple as a teacher, but he was my advisor through Sister Cities and the AFS Club. His commitment to peace through cultural understanding, combined with his wonderful sense of humor, will always be remembered.

William Clarke

December 9, 2013

Mr Hipple was my sophomore biology teacher at PHHS. Fascinating teacher and wonderful person. Fortunately some of our class members PHHS '63 were able to visit him before and after our class event. My friends Dave and Ann Wallace (Grass Valley)knew the Hipples while they lived in Nevada City.

Pamela Walker

December 9, 2013

Mr. Hipple had the kindest eyes. I never had a class with him at PHHS, but he spoke to me in the halls about my own pursuits. A lovely, lovely man.

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Danielle Pratt Dearborn

December 7, 2013

I concur with what my fellow CP classmates have shared. What a remarkable man and outstanding teacher Mr. Hipple was. I fondly recall his involvement with and love for AFS, as he had a heart for students from PH and beyond. He was also (clearly!) a habitual encourager! I'm saddened to not have had a chance to thank him all these years later; so many times I've thought fondly of him and felt grateful for my time in Mr. Hipple's classroom. Repeatedly I tried to find him, but to no avail. If only I'd asked my fellow '83er, Corrin ...

Marc Day

December 7, 2013

Mr. Hipple literally changed my life. As a lost kid surrounded by drugs and apathy I had no clue where I was going in life. He was gentle but demanding, he was funny and sincere. In his class I found that science would be my life's passion, but I'm not sure I would have made the connection without him. I wish I knew him better throughout my life, and I wish I had a chance to thank him for all that I learned from him, about science, patience, and the rewards of being gentle to others and demanding of yourself. Rest in peace, Mr. Hipple.

Richard Brewer

December 7, 2013

Joe Hipple was a kind, gentle, wise and good man. I am proud to have known him and to have enjoyed his company.

December 7, 2013

Mr. Hipple was a wonderful teacher and such a positive influence at College Park. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to reconnect with him these last few years when I would see him a church.
He was such a gentle soul who will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
-Corrin Grube Canale

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