Florence M. Hipple

1919 - 2024

Florence M. Hipple
Born: March 13, 1919 in Wayne, IL
Died: September 15, 2024 in Waterman, IL
Florence M. Hipple, age 105 1/2, went from her home in Waterman, IL, to her Heavenly home on Sunday, September 15, 2024. She was born in Wayne, IL, on March 13, 1919, and weighed in at 12 pounds! Her parents, John and Mabel (Harrison) Owen, were tenant farmers in the Kane County area, and moved every March in search of a better farm. She had moved nine times, before moving to Waterman, and graduated from Waterman High School in 1936. Florence was employed for several years as a domestic helper, while also working the night shift at DeKalb Ag during the fall harvest season.
Florence was united in marriage on August 12, 1941, to Mr. Edgar "Junior" Hipple Jr., and they spent the next 62 years happily together until his passing on October 29, 2003. Thirty of those years were spent on the Hipple Sesquicentennial Farm. Florence was a longtime active member of Waterman Presbyterian Church, serving: in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, as an Elder, 42 years as Presbyterian Women Recording Secretary, 33 years as Phoebe Circle Chairman, and Assistant Treasurer for many years. She often achieved 'Perfect Attendance' during her 20 years as part of the 'Women of the Word'/WOW Bible study. As a member of DeKalb County Farm Bureau, she was featured as one of their 100+ year-old 'Golden Girls'. She was a dedicated farm wife and always busy with handwork, reading, baking, and sewing for her family and others in the community. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Florence is survived by her children, the Rev. Judy K. Hipple of Rockford, IL, and Jerald (Susan) Hipple of Waterman, IL; her grandchildren, Aaron (Jennifer) Hipple of Menlo Park, CA, Stacy (Joel) Klaassen of Grand Rapids, MI, and Adam (Geri Kay) Hipple of Waterman; eight wonderful great-grandchildren: Alison, Jonathan and Theodore Hipple [CA]; Samuel, Jack and Josephine Klaassen [MI]; Audrey and Lucille Hipple [Waterman]; plus nieces, nephews, friends and her caring helpers who have greatly enriched her life these last few years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mabel Owen; her husband, Edgar Hipple, Jr.; grandson, Timothy Jerald Hipple; her brother, Emery (Bernice) Owen; and her sister, Agnes (Karle) Kahle.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Waterman Presbyterian Church, 250 North Cedar Street, Waterman, IL. Interment will follow in North Clinton Cemetery in Waterman, IL.
Friends may visit from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Nelson Funeral Home, 1001 E. Garfield St, Waterman, IL.
Florence has left a legacy of deep FAITH in Jesus Christ, PEACE that passes understanding, HOPE in life eternal and unconditional LOVE for all those around her. Memorials will be distributed to Christian organizations who share that Gospel Message.
Arrangements made by Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com, 815-264-3362.