Bruce W. Hipke

Bruce “Hipper” Wayne Hipke passed away on October 12, 2025, at Tomahawk Health Services in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

Bruce was born to Alvin and Alice (Seidel) Hipke on July 16, 1954, in Merrill, WI. He grew up in Bloomville and Gleason. Bruce attended a one room schoolhouse in Bloomville, then on to Gleason School, Midway School, and finally graduating from Merrill High School.

Bruce married Tina (Barney) Hipke, on February 21, 1976, and they went on to have three children together.

In his younger days he worked out in the farm fields picking rocks, bailing hay, and stacking them in the barn for the neighbors. Bruce began his career at ROW Window Factory before taking on the role of Groundskeeper with NTC. He later drove trucks to various factories and G&B Produce before joining his son’s company, Custom Design Heating and Cooling. In the later years he served as Maintenance and Community Manager at Deer Run Pine River LLC. He was a jack of all trades.

He was a very devoted Vikings fan and never missed watching his team play.

He would tell stories about the “old days”. Later in the years he would spend going on vacations and helping his wife go to cemeteries, libraries, courthouses, and visiting family homes to collect information and pictures about their ancestors for the Family Tree Books.

He also loved to play jokes on his grandchildren and spend time with his beloved dog, Pancakes.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Tina Hipke; children, Joshua (Cristy) Hipke of Merrill, Heather Fowler of Wausau, and Derek Hipke of Merrill; grandchildren, Taylor Hipke (fiancé- Marlee Thornwall), Tanner Fowler (fiancé- Sierra Osowski), Ethan Hipke, Dillon Fowler, Aaron Hipke, Thor Fowler, Chloe Hipke, Tori (Kaleb) Gustafson, Sommer Seefeldt, and Lacus Seefeldt; great-grandchildren, Elise Hipke, Pearce Hipke, and Sawyer Hipke. Brother: James Hipke of Merrill; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ron Leder, Linda (James) Pierce, David (Marcy) Barney, Dixie Oberg, and Michelle (Kevin) Kniess. Cousins, Tom Seidel, Sheri Fritcher, and Don Koch. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; In-laws, David and Grace Barney; brother, Harry Hipke; sisters, Alice Froland, Audree Hipke, and Gloria Leder; brother-in-law, Steve Oberg.

At Bruce’s request there will not be any services.

A Celebration of Life will be on November 16, 2025, from 10am-4pm at the Township of Pine River Townhall, N1647 Deer Run Ave, Merrill.

Donations in Bruce’s name can be made to North Pine Genealogy Group.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com