Willis Henry Hippen

Willis Hippen passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at his home in Brook Park at the age of 91.

Willis Henry Hippen was born on June 2, 1933 to Henry and Irma (Binnebose) Hippen near Hinckley, Minnesota. He grew up on a farm in Brook Park with his two brothers, Leroy and Arden, and sister Marlys Ann.

Willis attended high school in Pine City where he played football. After high school he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Savannah, Georgia and worked as an aviation mechanic, and that is where he met the love of his life, Sylvia Maness.

Not long after dating, Willis and Sylvia got married on January 16, 1956. They just recently celebrated their 69th anniversary. Willis and Sylvia moved multiple times between Georgia and Minnesota but eventually decided to reside in Brook Park and raise their family. They had three children, Debby, Brenda, and Aaron. Willis had a successful career owning Hippen's Garage where he was an automobile mechanic. In 1995 he retired from the Mora School District, after managing the bus garage for 23 years.

Willis enjoyed bird watching, riding motorcycles and bicycles, traveling to warmer states in the winter, and putting together numerous puzzles that he shared with the family. He also liked going to church, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and especially loved watching the Brook Park softball team. He loved spending time with his family and sharing the stories of his life.

Willis is survived by his wife Sylvia Hippen of Brook Park; children Debby Baker of Lino Lakes, Brenda Stumne of Pine City, Aaron (Terri) Hippen of Brook Park; grandchildren Chris (Sarah) Baker, Veronica Baker, Rachel (Chris) Hallan, Joe (Amber) Stumne, Jason (Jolene) Stumne, Trent (Maddy) Hippen, Kaitlin (Blake) Oslin, Hailey (Tyler) Swanson, Cole Hippen, Garrett Hippen; 14 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; brother Leroy (Marlys) Hippen of Brook Park; sister Marlys Ann (Dale) Kriesel of Remer; sister-in-law Joyce Hippen of Mora; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Irma Hippen; brother Arden Hippen.

Pastor Glen Kleppe will officiate funeral services for Willis: 2:00 PM; Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com