Dr. Emmett Wayne Lippe

Dr. Emmett Wayne Lippe, age 84, passed peacefully into heaven on August 4, 2025. He was born on March 22, 1941, to Rev. John F. and Doris Lippe in Aurora, Kansas. Born the tenth of eleven children to a minister father, Emmett's humble upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work, commitment, faith, and loyalty-values that shaped his life.

After graduating from Esbon High School in Kansas with a class of just 13 students, Emmett followed his oldest brother, John, to Huntington College in Indiana. There he pursued a degree in Education, taking classes during the day and working nights at a filling station. During this time, he met the love of his life, Marjorie, and they were married on June 12, 1965. Their 55 years of love and devotion to one another remain an enduring inspiration to all who knew them.

Emmett earned advanced degrees at Colorado State University and Michigan State University before completing his Doctor of Education at Ball State University. He began his career in education as the high school principal in Tekonsha, where he was appointed Superintendent of Schools the following year. He later served at Albion Schools and became the Chair of the Education Department at Huntington College.

At age 34, Emmett was named Superintendent of Williamston Community Schools, a position he held for 17 years. He and Marj raised their three boys in Williamston and cherished being part of the community. Career highlights included the founding of the Williamston Schools Foundation-the first of its kind in Michigan-and the successful 1990 millage proposal that funded the construction of a new high school. His visionary leadership and mentorship of educators and administrators led to numerous awards and widespread recognition.

In 1992, Emmett became Superintendent of the Novi School District, leading the district through a period of remarkable growth and transformation into the 21st century. Under his leadership, the district completed numerous construction projects and made significant upgrades to its technology and athletic facilities. After retiring in 2005, he founded a consulting firm, mentoring superintendents throughout Michigan and Indiana.

In retirement, Emmett and Marj split their time between Harrison, MI, and Tavares, FL, enjoying time with family and friends near the water. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Emmett played basketball and golf, attended countless sporting events, and faithfully supported Michigan State University, working as an usher at Spartan Stadium for over 40 years and attending MSU basketball games for decades.

His quiet faith was evident in his character. He was known as an honest, highly trustworthy, and insightful man who loved his family deeply and took his calling in education to heart. He embodied a rare combination of humility and determined will that guided both his personal and professional journey. To many, he was a friend, mentor and cherished uncle.

Emmett was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie; his son, Matthew; his parents, Rev. John F. and Doris Lippe; and his siblings Velma, Janice, Rev. John, Charlie, Ina Mae (Ray) Hall, Doris (Glen) McCray, Jean (Eugene) Huntly, and Phyllis (Alfred) Blevins.

He is survived by his son Marc Lippe and his children Melissa, Sarah, Jacob, and Hannah, and their mother, Mary Ann Mahaney; and by his son Justin (Wendy) Lippe and their children Michael, Annie, and James. Great-grandchildren include Delaney, Charlie, Parker, Sloane, Cillian, Emmett, and Ayla. He is also survived by his sister Avis (Keith) Chartier, brother Gary (Carol) Lippe, sisters-in-law Judy (Van) Bailey, Lolly (Ken) Freund, Susan Mead, brother-in-law George (Donna) Frisch, and many admiring nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Larry and Linda McCray, Asona Health, Jamie Hoffman, Hannah Lippe, and the staff at Burcham Hills for their compassionate care over the past five years.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 16th, at 12:00 p.m. at the Williamston Free Methodist Church located at 4400 N Williamston Rd., Williamston. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon prior to the service and a lunch will follow the funeral service. Emmett will be laid to rest in Summit Cemetery in Williamston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Williamston Schools Foundation or the Novi Educational Foundation in his honor.