Obituary of Verlus LeRoy Pippert

    Verlus LeRoy Pippert, son of Roy Wesley Pippert and Adelia (Glaser) Pippert, was born on August 23, 1931, at home on their farm southwest of Hartley, IA. He received his early education through the country school system at Center #1 and Lincoln #7, walking or riding his pony to and from school every day. He completed his education at Hartley High School in 1949. After graduation, Verlus worked on the farm for his father, did custom baling, and worked at the Hartley Creamery.

    On June 3, 1953, Verlus was united in marriage to Alice Mae Frerk in Sutherland, IA.  Shortly after their marriage, Verlus served two years in the United States Army, being stationed in Arkansas, New Jersey, and Munich, Germany. Following his honorable discharge on April 9, 1955, Verlus and Alice lived in Hartley where he was employed by the Hartley Creamery. He ran a truck route for the creamery, picking up milk and eggs until 1958 when they began farming north of Sutherland, IA. In 1963, they relocated to the Pippert farm south of Hartley.

    Verlus and Alice were blessed with four children: Patti, Ronda, Brian, & Gary. Along with his farming operation, Verlus drove school bus for 31 years for the Hartley Community School. In August of 2001, Verlus and Alice moved into the town of Hartley. During their retirement years, they enjoyed several trips to Branson, MO.

    Verlus was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ and served on various committees. He and Alice enjoyed old-time music and going to dances; they were members of the TMTM (The More The Merrier) Dance Club in Hartley for many years. Verlus, known as “Pip” to everyone, had a great sense of humor and always had a joke or a funny story to share. He had a great memory and always amazed us with the dates and events that he knew. He loved his family, treasured his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Having a burger or getting some ice cream was always a treat.

    Alice passed away April 21, 2022. Verlus moved to the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley on August 1, 2022, and passed away there on June 29, 2023, at the age of 91 years, 10 months and 6 days.

    Verlus was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Alice; his daughter, Patti Lynn Pippert; nephew, Tony Olhausen; sister-in-law, Glenda Rahbusch; and brother-in-law, Mike Frolkey.

    Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Ronda (Lee) Irvine of Primghar IA; two sons: Brian (Becky) Pippert of Hartley, IA and Gary Pippert of Spencer, IA; five grandchildren: Lance Irvine of Elgin, MN and his special friend, Terri Flynn, Chad (Jen) Irvine of Spencer, IA, Megan (Wyatt) Albert of Hartley, IA, Preston Pippert and Hailey Pippert of Spencer, IA; six great-grandchildren: Morgan, Wade, Trent, and Grant Irvine of Spencer, IA, Alice Kay and Lucy Albert of Hartley, IA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Marlene Olhausen of Cokato, MN, Herman Rahbusch of Sutherland, IA, Bill and Carol Frerk of Primghar, IA, LaDonna Frolkey of Sioux Falls, SD, Darla DeBerg of Primghar, IA; as well as many other relatives and friends.