Leo L. “Poppi” Kipke, 69, of Ogdensburg, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022, at home with his family at his side.
He was born on January 1, 1953, the son of the late Clarence and Eleanor (Walbruck) Kipke. Leo is a graduate of Little Wolf High School, Class of 1972. He faithfully served in the US Army and US National Guard and was honorably discharged in 2013. Leo married the former Debra J. Smith on July 7, 1984, at Saint John Lutheran Church in Dancy, Wisconsin. He was a dedicated employee of Central Fabricators, working in the shipping and receiving department, retiring in 1997. Leo was a rodeo clown in the Little Britches Rodeo and Clown College in the 1980’s and was also active in the Lake DuBay Lions Club, serving as Club President for several years where he organized many events to support the community. Leo enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and loved to dance. He will be remembered for being everyone’s Little Buddy.
Leo is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debra; two daughters and sons-in-law, Amanda and Brien Flanagan, and Heather and Roy Freda; three grandchildren, Logan, Ava, and Reegen Flanagan, brother, Clarence Jr., and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence, mother, Eleanor, brother, Tom and granddaughter, Ella.
A memorial service that will celebrate Leo’s life will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Life Celebration Center of Manawa. A gathering of family and friends will be held from from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45. Following the service, everyone can continue to celebrate Leo’s life with a luncheon held at the Manawa Veteran’s Freedom Park. BYOB is requested. Friends may visit www.dahlkefh.com to share memories and condolences with Leo’s family.