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LAURIUM - John J. Pippenger, 88, a resident of
Florida Street, Laurium, and Still Waters Assisted Living
Community, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at Keweenaw
Memorial Medical Center.
He was born on July 26, 1917, in Huron, Ohio, a son of the
late Maude Olive and John Curtis Pippenger.
He attended Dearborn High School and graduated with the Class of
1935. After graduating, he worked for Ford Motor Company until
1943. He then taught Basic Hydraulics at Wayne State University.
He became vice president and chief engineer of Hydraulic HiSpeed
Company from 1943 to 1947, followed by the Double A. Products
Company until 1963. He was vice president of Racine Hydraulic
Development Corporation. In 1966, he was president and owner of
Hydraulic Products, Inc. until the company was purchased by the
W. H. Nichols Company of Waltham Mass. He formally retired in
1979. He continued his career independently as a technical
consultant, educational coordinator, editor, instructor, author
and technical editor and advisor until 1994 when he retired
completely. He authored and co-authored 25 technical books and
published his family's history.
On November 4, 1963, he married Ruth (Gourd) Pippenger of
Baltic. After their marriage, they resided in Dearborn. In 1947,
they moved to Manchester, Mich., and then to Racine, Wis., in
1963 where they lived until 1972 when they moved to Waltham,
Mass. Upon retirement, Ruth and John moved to Laurium and Eagle
Harbor, to enjoy their retirement.
He was a life member of Manchester Masonic Lodge 148 F &
A.M., the Laurium Methodist Church, the Calumet Rotary, the
National Fluid Power Association, the Fluid Power Society,
Epsilon Pi Tau, the Fluid Power Society Certification Board and
charter member of the Fluid Power Society Educational Institute.
He served on the Board of Directors at Still Waters Assisted
Living Community, the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's and
was president of the Miscowaubik Club of Calumet.
Surviving are his son, John Curtis (Barbara) Pippenger of
Racine, Wis.; three grandchildren, Rebecca Pippenger, Lara
(Steve) Leaf Stolarick; Daniel (Patty) Pippenger; two
great-grandchildren, Katie and Ellie Pippenger; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 62 years,
Ruth; and daughter, Louise Marie.
At John's request, there will be no public visitation or
funeral service.
Memorial services will be held in the spring at the Laurium
United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob White officiating.
Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Eagle Harbor. An
announcement will be made of the exact date in the spring.
The Erickson-Crowley Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements. Friends may leave condolences at
www.ericksoncrowley.com. In lieu of other expressions of
sympathy, donations may be sent to the Keweenaw Heritage Center
at St. Anne's, the Laurium United Methodist Church or Still
Waters Assisted Living Community. |
