Roger Kipp

Roger Kipp, age 82, of Graceville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls, MN.

A Memorial Mass for Roger and Josephine will be held on Monday, November 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at church on Monday.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be available at the bottom of this page.

Roger Eugene Kipp was born on September 4, 1939, in Graceville, MN, to Frank and Francis (Wenthold) Kipp. He grew up in the Graceville area and graduated from Graceville High School with the Class of 1958.

On May 9, 1959, Roger was united in marriage with Josephine Ritter. Together, they raised six children: Dean, Deborah, Dennis, Douglas, Dominic, and Daryl.

Always a hard worker, Roger did what he could to put food on the table for his family. He operated the grave opening and closing business with his friend, Mike Fischer, in the Graceville area for many years and always had his boys to help him, of course. Roger painted many houses and repaired many roofs in the community as well. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, was on the City Council in Graceville, and was a volunteer fire fighter for the Graceville Fire Department. He was a custodian for the Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley High School for many years.

In 1982, Roger decided to quit drinking and joined Alcoholics Anonymous. Since he joined, he was very active in A.A., made many new friends, and helped other people with their difficulties with addiction.

Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was an avid sports fan. He watched local games and followed professional sports teams too (even admitting to being a fan of the Boston Celtics and the New York Yankees although he was a die-hard Minnesota fan). Roger coached many children in sports throughout the years, including his own. He was an umpire for many softball games, for both local and away games. Roger was a Poker champion but also played very competitive games of Pinochle and Buck Euchre. He loved the Graceville community and was always ready to help a neighbor in need. Roger played the infamous Santa Clause for the people of Graceville for many, many years. Many neighbors, friends, and relatives will miss seeing him on his three-wheeled bicycle with the basket on the front and American flag on the back that Craig “Magic” Johnson taught him how to ride.

Roger is survived by his wife of 62 years, Josephine “Jo” Kipp of Graceville, MN; sons: Dean Kipp of Graceville, MN; Dennis Kipp of Graceville, MN; Douglas Kipp of Moorhead, MN; Dominic (Kristi) Kipp of Fargo, ND; and Daryl (Sara) Kipp of Fergus Falls, MN; nine grandchildren: Callie Jo Kipp, Austin Kipp, Kara (Ryan) Schmidt, Marc Fuhrman, Lauren Bale (Cameron Carlson), Michael Bale (Katie Kokett), Josie Kipp, Dane (Nicolle) Kipp, and Jesse Kipp (Grace Elijah); six great-grandchildren: Maddox Giessinger, Declan Kipp, Carter Carlson, Cade Carlson, Owen Schmidt, and Nora Schmidt; sister-in-law, Delores “Tootie” Eastman; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents; daughter, Deborah Jean Kipp; twin siblings: Frankie “Stub” Kipp and Francis (Lawrence) Swezey; sisters: Viola (Gene) Pullis, Vivian (Jack) Ludowese, and Eunice (Irvin) Klicker; nephews: Bruce Swezey and Michael Ludowese; and niece, Jackie Reynolds.

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Roger's name be made to the CGB Sports Boosters Club.