Edward "Ed" Lynn Whipp

Edward “Ed” Lynn Whipp, age 81, peacefully went to be with Jesus on July 7, 2024, at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa, WI, after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born on March 30, 1943, in Washington, D.C., to the late Blaine and Virginia (nee Ludke) Whipp.

He grew up in Red Wing, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1961. He enlisted and served as Airman 2nd Class in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 – 1965, and then acquired a BS Degree in Business Administration from Rochester State College in 1969. He married Leah (nee Schilling) on July 1, 1968. Ed and Leah spent time in MN and TX, but most of their married life was spent in East Troy, WI, where they raised their 3 children. Ed spent his professional life as a logistics and operations manager for a variety of commercial trucking companies before retiring early to care for his parents.

Ed was a treasured son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. His love and devotion to his family was palpable. He adored Leah – always putting her first, feeding her beloved birds, caring for her flowers, taking her to her medical appointments, riding together on their side-by-side and sharing his French fries (when she had claimed she didn’t want any). He was steadfastly present for his children and grandchildren – always making himself available to play a game of Life, help with a project or simply sit beside a loved one on the couch. He expressed his love with thoughtful gifts, sharing his sense of humor (with painful Dad jokes), wit and sarcasm. Ed loved to laugh!

He never missed a family birthday – sending meaningful cards with handwritten notes to all. He loved being Papa to his granddaughters as he watched seemingly endless episodes of Veggie Tales, Despicable Me and Minion movies without complaint. He would eagerly take Facetime calls and enjoy phone conversations at any time (even when he put out a lighthearted warning, “don’t call me when the race is on”). Ed also enjoyed returning to Red Wing each year with his brother, Jerry, to reminisce about their early years.

Ed’s skills, talents and interests were innumerable. His kids knew him to be a handyman extraordinaire, as he could fix anything – from intricate electrical repairs to supergluing a shattered cookie jar with the skill and patience of a true craftsman. He enjoyed fishing, gun shows, target shooting and creating new combinations of hand loads which would result in many sub-quarter inch groups. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan – watching all the Packers, Bucks and Brewers games, most often with Leah by his side. It was Nascar races, however, that were his viewing passion – attending a few in person, but mostly watching from home.

He loved things to be clean and tidy, evidenced by his perfectly manicured lawn and his meticulously maintained truck. He would spend hours on his John Deere mowing lawn and many long afternoons sprucing up his truck.

Anyone who knew Ed would recognize that he was a voracious reader – picking up any genre that was laying around and consuming it. He held a special affinity for owner’s manuals. After purchasing a new vehicle, he would head to his recliner and read the owner’s manual from cover to cover. His love of the written word was undeniable.

Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years, Leah; their children Brad (Krista) Whipp, Gina Whipp, and Nicole (Joe) Sime; and grandchildren, Hailey (Masyn), Grace (Chase), and Lauryn. He is further survived by his brother, Jerry; and in-laws, Linda Whipp, Bonnie (Ron) Loidolt, Butch (Pat) Schilling, Jeddy St. Onge, Jim (Mary) Schilling, Theresa (Karl) Kurtz, Linda (Jim) Wielgus, Birdie (Jim) Strahl, Joe (Sandy) Schilling, Mike (Lisa) Schilling; and numerous other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Brad; grandchildren, Asher, Jadon, Bennett and Hope; and sisters-in-law, DeDe Whipp and Judy St. Onge; as well as Leah’s parents, Byron and Beatrice Schilling.

A public memorial service will be held at Chippewa Valley Bible Church (531 E. South Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI) on August 31, 2024, with a 10:00 a.m. Visitation, followed by a Service at 11:00 a.m. Public burial with graveside military services will be held on Saturday, October 19th at 10:30AM at Evergreen Cemetery, W3385 Hwy 20 East Troy. Reception to follow at Triangle Sportsmen's Club, 9004 Townline Road, East Troy. All are welcome to both.

If desired, memorials are suggested to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice (1155 N Honey Creek Pkwy, Wauwatosa, WI 53213). Zilber Family Hospice is truly a special place. The entire staff and volunteers were so kind, and his family is grateful for the care and loving support Ed received in his final days.