Lippert, David Michael 1946 - 2022

LIPPERT, CRUZAN, DALE, GREEN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/7/2023 at 18:33:28

David Michael Lippert (November 12, 1946–November 9, 2022) died peacefully at his home in Decorah, IA. Dave was born in Olean, NY to Elizabeth and Earl Lippert. While attending grade school classes and managing a double paper route, he helped his mother raise his sister Kate and brother Mark. Dave received a BA in American History in 1968 from Siena College and an MS in Secondary Education from SUNY Cortland in 1976. Dave was a life-long learner and a voracious reader of newspapers and books.

Dave met his lifelong love Nancy Cruzan in 1968 at the wedding of mutual friends in Alfred, NY and they married August 20, 1969 in Milton, WI. They began their family in Ludlowville, NY with the birth of their son Michael (Mike). They soon moved to a home closer to the Lansing schools and All Saints Roman Catholic Church, both cornerstones in Dave’s life and career. Their family grew with the births of daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) and son Peter (Pete). Dave and Nancy lived in Lansing until their move to Decorah, IA in 2021. Dave was proud of his kids and completely smitten by his seven grandchildren. When asked what he thought the secrets to a happy relationship were, he responded: “Try to put the other person first. Realize that you are not always right. Pray together daily. Accept that just because you failed today does not mean that you will fail tomorrow. Each day is a new beginning.”

Dave was a teacher of American History and Economics at Lansing Central High School. Dave described his career at Lansing as the best job of his life: “Thirty-four years teaching in the same school district was pretty great. I loved the subject matter but most of all [I loved] the students. To play a part in helping form a young person’s life is quite a privilege…Living in a small town, teaching in a small school, gave me the opportunity to work with two generations of students. Teaching is not really a job, it is a calling, and to be able to work with young adults as they are beginning to think of their future is a great privilege for which I am forever grateful.”

Faith was central to all that Dave did and guided his unwavering moral code and remarkable clarity of values; many sought his counsel. He was a decades-long parishioner at All Saints Church where he worked tirelessly with many priests and parish administrators to keep the community strong and centered in Lansing. After retiring from teaching, Dave served as a pastoral associate there until 2008. An oak tree was planted at the church in his honor in 2021. Dave was humble in faith, exemplified by the Prayer of Thomas Merton and Prayer of St. Francis, copies of which you could find interleaved in books, on tabletops, and in drawers throughout his home.

Dave found great comfort and peace in nature. “Sitting outdoors listening to nature, viewing the scenery, smelling the forest, reading a book are about as comforting as life can be,” he said. Dave loved walks, dogs, birds, and the company of friends and family. He always had music playing. When asked what he enjoyed most, Dave responded, “my greatest pleasure is family. I enjoy frequent conversations on the phone, a video call, or in person.” It is with much grace and great blessing that Dave enjoyed all of these with his family in his final days.

Dave is survived by his wife and best friend Nancy and their three children and families: Mike, Amanda, Gregory, and Nohea; Elizabeth, Sean, Margaret, Alexandra, Rebecca, and Jennessa; and Pete, Emily, and Robin; sister Kate and late husband Don; brother Mark and wife Wendy; Nancy’s siblings and their families: Barbara (deceased), Dale and Charlotte Green; Wayne and Linda Cruzan; and Jon and Sue Cruzan; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family expresses their gratitude to the communities near and far that supported and sustained Dave.

Source: Helms Funeral Home database