Phipps, Gordon D. 1947-2010

PHIPPS, PINTO

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/5/2011 at 11:00:58

Gordon D. Phipps

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Thursday, December 2, 2010

Gordon D. Phipps, 63, of Le Mars, died suddenly Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, in Oil City, Pa., while visiting family.

Gordon Donald Phipps was born Nov. 21, 1947, in Le Mars, one of eight children born to Ralph W. and Rosemary L. (Pinto) Phipps. He attended Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars.

In 1964, Gordon enlisted in the United States Navy. He continued his education in the Navy and earned an associates degree. He attained the rank of senior chief and served as a crypto technician specializing in Russian linguistics. Gordon made a career in the Navy and retired in 1987.

He returned to Le Mars for his retirement years and to care for his mother Rosemary.

He was an avid golfer and, if possible, would golf more than one round each day.

He will be lovingly remembered by his three sons, Gordon Donald Phipps II and his wife, Christie of Akron, William Franklin Phipps and his wife, Cheryl of Franklin, Wis., and James Edward Phipps of Shepherdstown, W.V.; 11 grandchildren Hayley, Gordon III, Cassie, Kira, Ethan, Logan, Gavin, Eric, Casey, Orion and Lyra; his siblings, Kathy Odell of San Diego, Calif., Paula Phipps of Chicago, Ill., James (Flo) Phipps of Silverdale, Wash., Richard (Jan) Phipps of Omaha, Neb., Rose (Mike) Smith of Spokane, Wash., and Teresa (Earl) Daniels of Baltimore, Md.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Swede and Rosemary; a brother, Walter and his wife, Darla; and a brother-in-law, John Odell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Saturday at St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. Monsignor R. Mark Duchaine will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the Mauer - Johnson Funeral Home of Le Mars. The family will be present from 5-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Saturday.