Obituary: Karl G Gipp

Karl G Gipp, age 82, of Skanee passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Bayside Village, L’Anse, MI.

Karl was born in Laurium, MI on May 17, 1937, the son of the late Gilbert Gipp and Manila (Noetzel) Gipp. He was a graduate of Calumet High School, class of 1955. He then attended Suomi College, joined the Navy and was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Karl married the former Virginia Plante and attended Northern Michigan University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Master of Arts degree in Elementary Administration.

In 1962, the family moved to Escanaba where he began his teaching career. He taught there and served as a principal at Lemmer Elementary School. In 1966, the family moved to L’Anse and he took the position as principal at C.J. Sullivan Elementary School and then as Superintendent of Schools for two years prior to his retirement. During his tenure in L’Anse, he was in charge of the hot lunch program and served as the elementary principal for the Laird and Sidnaw Schools. During this time he was a member of the Michigan Association of Elementary School Principals and the Michigan Association of School Administrators. In 1985, Karl married Barbara “Barb” (nee Koski, Rehn).

Karl served the community in numerous ways. He was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and served on the church board. He was a member of the L’Anse Fire Department, L’Anse Lions Club, L’Anse American Legion, L’Anse Golf Club, Baraga County Water Rescue, Hunter Safety Instructor, Pelkie Fair Volunteer, L’Anse Snowmobile Club, United Way Committee, Baraga County Senior Citizens, L’Anse Eagles, Escanaba Elks, as well as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Ottawa Sportsmen’s Club. Karl also served as a volunteer fireman in Skanee as well as on the Arvon Township Board. Karl was an avid cribbage player as well as other pastimes which included hunting, fishing, photography, cooking and traveling.

Karl is survived by his loving wife Barb, sons Stephen (Lorena) Gipp of Green Bay, WI, Tom (Paula) Gipp of Granby Colorado; daughters Julie (Mark) Bogden of Bay Village, Ohio, Karla (Darryl) Shann of Escanaba, Michigan: stepdaughters Julie (Terry) Kuklinski of Sheboygan, WI and Susan (Tom) Ziebell of Skanee, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Karl will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church, Skanee, MI with Pastor Rich Little officiating. Pastor Judy Mattson and Pastor Peter Suomela will read eulogies. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the day of the service at the church. Immediately following the funeral service, the L’Anse and Skanee Fire Departments will conduct services and military honors will be held graveside in the Skanee Cemetery. The family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon at The Finns following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Karl’s honor to be directed to Zion Lutheran Church.

Karl’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse, MI has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.