William Dean Sipes, known as Bill to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Sept. 25, 2024, on his 89th birthday, at Center for Hospice Care Raclin House in Mishawaka, IN, surrounded by family. Born in 1935 in Shawswick Township, IN, to the late Ralph and Delphia Louise (Blackburn) Sipes, Bill’s life was marked by a dedication to his family, a commitment to his profession, and a love of community.
Bill was married for 67 years to Patricia Joan (Brown) Sipes, who, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, brought him immeasurable happiness. He was a loving father to Kathleen Joanne (David) Sipes Kolberg, Kimberly (David) Potts, William (Anne) Sipes Jr., the late Mary Anne Sipes, and Andrew (Kimberly) Sipes. Bill loved children, and his role as a grandfather to Trish Kolberg, Deanna (Niral) Kolberg-Shah, Elisabeth Sipes, and Cayden Sipes, and as a great-grandfather to Ayan Patrick Shah, was his greatest joy.
Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary, Frances, Betty Jane, and his brothers, Cyrus, Ralph E., and Jack.
He is survived by his brother, Daniel (Esther) Sipes, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss his energy and sense of humor.
After graduating from Bedford High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and traveled the world, visiting every continent. His favorite ports were in New Zealand, Venezuela, and Greece, and famously, he accompanied Admiral Byrd on his last voyage to Antarctica. At the urging of his officers on the USS Glacier, he enrolled at Indiana University and became the first in his family to obtain a bachelor’s degree, in 1961. He was offered positions in large accounting firms, but he connected with Clete Chizek and joined a small firm (at the time), Crowe, Chizek, and Company. He became a partner in 1970. After retirement, he opened another accounting firm with his son, Andrew. He saw accounting as a way to solve problems for his clients.
He enjoyed being involved in the community. In the 1960s, he was on the steering committee for the South Bend Elkhart NNCF. Many knew him as “Mr. Quickie,” bringing excitement with the “Quickie Board” at the WNIT auction. William served in leadership for Girl Scouts of Michiana, Elkhart Rotary, Fairplain Lions, Coloma United Methodist Church, and Broadway Christian Parish UMC. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, country music, driving his convertible, family gatherings, telling dad jokes, and spending time with his grandchildren. Kids at church could always count on him having Smarties candy to hand out.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Rd. South Bend, IN. There will be a visitation on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow the memorial services, at Harris Cemetery in Coloma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545, or Broadway Christian Parish Church, 1412 Carroll St. South Bend, IN 46613. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Comments