Lee S. Sippel

1945 - 2017

Sippel, Lee S.

Lee S. Sippel, 72, a resident of Fond du Lac, passed away April 8, 2017 at his home.

He was born on January 26, 1945 in Randallstown, Northern Ireland a son of the late Sheldon R. and Violet (Murray) Sippel.

On September 9, 1978 he married Linda L. Wahoske in Las Vegas.

Lee was a 1963 graduate of L.P. Goodrich High School where he excelled in football and baseball. Lee played baseball for the American Legion and softball for the D&D, Oscars, and Schlitz of Fondy. Lee was a member of the Fond du Lac Softball Hall of Fame. He proudly played on many tournament championship Schlitz teams. After his softball career ended he took up golf and became good at it.

He retired from U.P.S. as a driver after over 30 years of service. He enjoyed his job and especially all the people he met. Lee remembered house addresses to this day. His friend called him the "Rainman" of house numbers.

Lee loved to fly. He and Linda traveled a lot, including travels to Ireland, Europe and across the United States. He especially liked Las Vegas and Arizona.

On November 23, 2002, Lee fell crossing the street after a Badger game in Madison and suffered a spinal cord injury. He became a quadriplegic and was kept at the U.W. Hospital for two months and later at St. Agnes Hospital for two months. Shortly after coming home, a benefit was held to purchase a new handicap van. Hundreds attended.

Lee was also a lover of jokes. He always had a joke or two for everyone he met. He found much joy in having a good zinger for all he crossed paths with. Lee was someone who never felt sorry for himself. He was dealt a hand that no one would wish on their worst enemy, but Lee was never a "why me?" person. He loved life! He embraced his years of challenges with grace, perseverance, and good humor. We should all be so lucky to be able to live with the attitude that he did.

Survivors include his wife, friend, partner and caretaker, Linda, and his loyal dog, Lovie, one sister Olive "VaL" (Bob) Moore, one niece, Kim Moore, two nephews, Kevin and Bobby Moore, his aunt Iris McNeill of Northern Ireland. He is further survived by four sisters-in-law, Pat Boelhower, Carol (Craig) Hamberger, Cindy (Dave) Mueller, and Jeanne (John) Endejan, a brother-in-law, Mike (Jane) Wahoske and by many, many good friends.

Visitation: The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday April 12, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:45 PM at the Zacherl Funeral Home.

Service: A Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated on Wednesday at 7:00 following the visitation time.

Memorials in his name may be directed to Agnesian Hospice Hope Program, Fond du Lac Humane Society, or the Fond du Lac Softball Hall of Fame.

"We extend a special thank you to Traci Haskins, Carmen Wick, Pat Boelhower and Joe Bird, all the hospice nurses, especially, Larry, Joanne, and aide, Debbie Mish. There were many friends that helped over the years including, Jane and Louie Paynter, Gary and Joni Greenfield, Dick Haase, Bob and Denise Hoepfner, and Kris "Tag", and others too numerous to mention.

"The next time you raise a glass of Guinness, think of Lee and send him a "wink and a prayer"

Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com