Wilbur Edward PHIPPS

PHIPPS, THOMPSON, KLASSIE, SCHLESSELMAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/11/2010 at 14:21:46

The Renwick Times - Renwick, Iowa
September 27, 1956

Wilbur Phipps, 84, Pioneer Renwickite, Died Friday Morning

Wilbur Phipps, 84, pioneer Renwick resident, passed away early Friday morning in a hospital in Fort Dodge. Funeral services were held Monday September 24, from the Renwick Methodist Church with the Rev Roy A. Biesemeyer officiating at the services. He was also in charge of services at LuVerne Cemetery, where Mr. Phipps was laid to final rest. Pallbearers at the service were Ed Anderson, Lloyd Swanson, George Bell, Norman Peer, M. M. Green and Robert McGowan, with special music being provided by E. Vance Davidson, Walter Martin, W. P. Wittmer and Thomas Gimer. Mrs. Harl Gimer was accompanist at the organ. Beenens Funeral Service of Renwick had charge of the arrangements.

*******************************
Wilbur Edward Phipps, son of Edward and Philena Phipps, was born in Otsego, Wis., on December 21, 1871. He passed to the eternal reward on September 21, 1956, at the age of 84 years and 9 months. Mr. Phipps came to Iowa with his parents in a covered wagon in 1872 at the age of about 6 months. They proved a homestead northeast of Renwick where he grew to manhood. As a young man he worked in lumber camps of Minnesota, and in the orchards of California and Oregon. He also began his work as a carpenter which trade he followed the rest of his life. On August 24 1908, he was joined in holy wedlock to Verena Klassie. Soon after marriage they moved to Renwick and lived in the same home ever since. To this union was born one daughter, Florence, wife of Rev. O. K. Schlesselman, Fleming, Colorado.

Mr. Phipps loved his home and work as a carpenter. Many of the homes in Renwick and surrounding country were built by him and are a memorial to his fine workmanship. He loved to work with wood, cutting, finishing and burning it.
Children loved him and he made friends with them easily. He spent many hours walking and enjoying the beauties of the out-of-doors. He has been an active member of the Methodist Church since he joined in 1924, serving in official capacities on boards and attending as regularly as he could. Mr. Phipps was a member of the Renwick Town Council for some years. He was also on the Board of Smith Park and acted as custodian of the park for a period of time

As a man of quiet, unassuming nature he made many friends. His honesty, integrity and generosity were recognized by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother, his first wife and son. He is survived by his wife, his daughter, two grandsons, one granddaughter, many other relatives and a host of friends.