Joseph "Joe" Hipskind

Joseph "Joe" Hipskind, originally from South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Beacon Hill Memory Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 89. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Joe lived a life marked by integrity, hard work, and devotion to family, friends, and faith.

Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Jack; and sister, Nancy Morris. He was married for nearly 61 years to the love of his life, Connie. Together they raised three children, Susan (Gino) Grampp, Ann (Peter) Campbell, and Thomas Hipskind. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren; Stefan and Alan Grampp, Peter (Susan Scheid) and Christopher Campbell (fiancée Kara Wons), Cameron Werner and Patrick Hipskind; and uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Joe attended the University of Notre Dame before graduating from Indiana University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and went on to build a successful and respected career in sales within the municipal water industry. Over the years, Joe represented companies such as Rockwell, Sensus Technologies, and Invensys, covering a sales territory that spanned the entire state of Michigan. He retired in 2007.

After retirement, Joe loved visiting his children and their families, traveling with Connie, and spending winters in Florida and summers at Canadian Lakes, where he could often be found on the golf course enjoying the game and the camaraderie it brought. Joe was fascinated by family history, often proudly relating stories of his family exploits.

Visitation will be held at O'Brien Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, on Monday, August 4th from 4 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, August 5th at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beacon Hill Foundation or Emmanuel Hospice, whose care and compassion were deeply appreciated by the family.

Joe will be remembered as caring, hardworking and persistent. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.