Elmer "Bud" H. Kipp, Jr.

ELMER H. “BUD” KIPP, JR., 89, of Chester, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Though his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in knowing he has been called home to eternal rest with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bud was born in Chester, Illinois on April 25, 1936 to Elmer H. and Elda (Reimer) Kipp Sr. He was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester. He was blessed to share 68 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jane. Together, they built a beautiful family and faced life’s many challenges with strength, faith, and unwavering love for one another. Bud also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen – his cooking and baking were well-loved by family and friends, and he took pride in preparing meals that brought everyone together. He, even found a following with his annual holiday fruitcakes.

Bud grew up with a love of the outdoors, fishing and learning new things with a strong work ethic that shaped his life. As a farmer, he worked side-by-side with his father, Elmer Kipp Sr. for many years. Farming had remained in his blood long after he had left the partnership with his father. Along with his wife, Jane, they owned and operated a couple small farms before his health declined. He took great pride in his work, finding joy and purpose in caring for the land and watching each season bring new life.

Even after leaving full-time farming, Bud’s connection to the soil never faded. He poured the same dedication into his garden, where he spent countless hours planting, tending, and sharing the fruits of his labor with his family. Whether, he was planting rows of tomatoes, starting pecan trees, or tending to his flowers, his garden was a place of peace – acting as a reflection of the patience and care he showed in every part of his life.

Bud also loved the simple pleasures of life, often sitting on the porch watching the birds and other wildlife. Those quiet moments brought him peace and joy, and he cherished sharing the beauty of nature with his wife Jane on sunny afternoons.

Bud was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved gathering with his family, sharing stories about his farming days, and teaching his grandchildren the value of hard work and respect for nature. Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit and the quiet strength that grounded his family through all of life’s seasons.

Bud’s love for the land and his family will continue to grow in the hearts of those he leaves behind in a legacy as enduring and rooted as the soil he tended.

Survivors:

   Wife: 

        Margaret Jane Kipp Chester, IL

   1 Daughter: 

        Rhonda (Jim) Dunning Chester, IL

   1 Son-in-law: 

        Bill Hamill Sparta, IL

   2 Siblings: 

        Vivian Gielow Chester, IL

        Violet Feldmann Chester, IL

   4 Grandchildren: 

        Amy (Chris) Mathis, Mindy (Jason) Springs, Taylor J. Dunning (Fiance: Austin Jisa) and Evan Dunning

   3 Great Grandchildren: 

        Victor Mathis, Rusty Mathis and Makenna Springs

Preceded in Death by: Parents, Infant Daughter – Debra Kipp, Daughter - Rosemary Hamill, Son – Roger Kipp, 3 Brothers-in-law – Vernon Gielow, Harold Feldmann and Robert Heine and Sister-in-law – Flora Lydell Heine

Funeral Service: 

   11:00 am, Saturday, November 1, 2025

   St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Rev. Timothy Sims

Interment: 

   St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery

   Chester, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Saturday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

   St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   St. John’s Radio Fund

   St. John’s School Maintenance Fund

   Vitas Hospice Healthcare