Ralph Pestor Kipp

RALPH PESTOR KIPP, 97, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 8:55 am, Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Independence Care Center, Perryville, Missouri.

He was born to the late Gottfried and Hermine (nee Pestor) Kipp on April 18, 1926 in Chester, Illinois.

Ralph married Bonnie I. Barthel on September 1, 1960 in Brighton, Colorado; she preceded him in death on March 12, 2008.

He grew up on the family dairy farm in Chester and became active in the Kipp Dairy business. After losing his right leg in a farm accident in 1952, he enrolled in SIU and earned a business degree. During the remainder of his career, Ralph and Bonnie owned several different businesses in Chester, including Kipp's Drive-In Restaurant (later named Kipp's Family Restaurant), the Bonnie Maid Laundromat, and the Chester Ben Franklin store (later known as Kipp's Family Center)

Ralph was a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester where he served in many roles over the years. He was also very active in the Rotary Club and the Chester Chamber of Commerce. After winding down their business operations, he and Bonnie enjoyed volunteering in the local community, including presenting the BABES program in the elementary schools. He treasured spending time with family and friends, and invariably seemed to have time for one more game of pinochle. Always remaining a dairy farmer at heart, he was also an active member of the National Association of Milk Bottle Collectors.

Survivors:

2 Sons:

Dale (Beth) Kipp Blacksburg, VA

Lyle (Sandy) Kipp Naperville, IL

3 Grandchildren:

Lydia Adelaide Kipp, Lori Anne Kipp and Paul Alan Kipp

2 Nieces and 3 Nephews

Preceded in Death by: Parents and Wife

Funeral Service:

11:00 am, Monday, August 7, 2023

St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Officiating:

Rev. Timothy Sims

Interment:

St. John Lutheran Cemetery

Chester, Illinois

Visitation:

Sunday – 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Pechacek Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois

Monday – 10:00 am – 11:00 am

St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Memorials:

St. John Lutheran New Facility Fund