Leah Marie Whipp

Leah Marie Whipp, age 76, of East Troy, WI, left this world to be with Jesus on October 25, 2024. She was born on October 7, 1948, in Little Falls, MN, to the late Byron and Beatrice (nee Valley) Schilling.

One of ten children, her early life on the busy family farm was one of endless “Schilling” energy which served her well throughout her life. She graduated from St. Francis High School, Little Falls, MN, in 1966. She married the love of her life, Ed Whipp, on July 1, 1968. Ed and Leah spent time in MN and TX, but the majority of their married life was spent in East Troy, WI, where they raised their 3 children. Leah’s sincere love of people, and most especially children, made her a perfect fit at the East Troy School District where she worked and retired as a paraprofessional.

Leah was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother with the kindest heart. She adored Ed and their family - always caring for each of them, before herself. She treasured the time spent raising her children. Joy radiated from her whenever they were together. Her limitless Schilling energy fueled her role as an on-call taxi driver for the endless trips into town for ballet, music lessons, and sports or just to visit friends. Occasionally, quite often, or maybe most of the time, there would be a kink in the plan when she’d lock the keys in the car which prompted a lesson in patience.

As an early riser, she was brilliant at waking everyone as she banged pots and pans while working in the kitchen, unknowingly inviting all the sleepers to the Early Risers’ Club. Leah enjoyed her friends and family so much, whether it was going up north for the annual “Schilling Sisters Weekend” or talking on the phone. A short 15-minute conversation would prompt Ed to ask, “Wrong number?!”

Her most treasured days were spent with Ed and their family. Her eyes lit up whenever someone mentioned her children or grandchildren’s names. She got immense joy from all the love-filled handmade gifts they made for her, proudly displaying them around the house. She wouldn’t part with a single craft from them, especially from the grandchildren. She was such a wonderful mom and “Grandma Leah” always proudly sharing new photos and updates of everyone.

Leah loved nature and the outdoors. She would plant seeds in the basement under grow lights in the winter and transfer them to her greenhouse outside in the spring before their final move outdoors. She spent many hours in her flower beds. Her love of plants also included a collection of houseplants, with a special affinity for orchids, which Ed may have defined as too many. She also enjoyed caring for the wild birds, putting up multiple feeders to enjoy them all.

Leah’s wholehearted love for her family, friends and nature was only surpassed by her love for the Lord. She was a faithful Christian and dutiful prayer warrior. As an avid reader, she surrounded herself with books, but the one that she fastidiously carried with her at home and on travels was her Bible. She cherished God’s word. She enjoyed listening to praise and worship music each day. Her faith was strong – providing her with the ability to find joy in the simplest things in life.

Leah is survived by her children Brad (Krista) Whipp, Gina Whipp, and Nicole (Joe) Sime and grandchildren, Hailey (Masyn), Grace (Chase), and Lauryn. She is further survived by her siblings, Bonnie (Ron) Loidolt, Butch (Pat) Schilling, Jim (Mary) Schilling, Theresa (Karl) Kurtz, Linda (Jim) Wielgus, Birdie (Jim) Strahl, Joe (Sandy) Schilling, and Mike (Lisa) Schilling; her in-laws, Jeddy St. Onge, Jerry Whipp, Linda Whipp; and numerous other family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, grandchildren, Asher, Jadon, Bennett and Hope; sister, Judy St. Onge; in-laws, Brad Whipp and DeDe Whipp; as well as Ed’s parents, Blaine and Virginia Whipp.

A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Chippewa Valley Bible Church (531 E South Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI). Visitation at 10:00, Service at 11:00, Luncheon to follow.

Burial will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., Evergreen Cemetery (W3385 Hwy 20, Troy Center). Reception to follow at Triangle Sportsmen’s Club (N9004 Townline Road, East Troy, WI). All are welcome to both.