John G. Wippich

Jack was born in Menasha on October 2, 1934, son of the late John and Viola (Maciejewski) Wippich. He was a student at St. John Grade School in Menasha, and graduated from Menasha High School in 1953 and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1957. He subsequently received his master's degree from Northern Michigan University. After meeting as UW-Oshkosh students, Jack and Marge Grenke were married on March 2, 1957. Later that same year, Jack was drafted into the United States Army where he served for two years, mostly in Alaska. His teaching and coaching career then took the family to Lena, Omro, and St. Mary High School in Menasha. However, Jack may be best known for the many years he spent as teacher, mentor, and coach in the Kimberly School System.

As a Menasha High School athlete, Jack lettered in football, basketball, and baseball, and was an important member of the 1953 Menasha State Championship basketball team. At UW-Oshkosh, he earned letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track, serving as a leader and captain of his teams. As a part of the UW-Oshkosh football team, the media named Jack "The Iron Man" for playing every minute of an entire season.

Jack's teaching career spanned thirty-three years, during which time he coached football, baseball, and track. As a football coach, his teams won a number of conference championships. As part of his basketball coaching career, he spent twenty-four years at Kimberly, where he achieved many accomplishments, including a 331-179 win-loss record, many conference championships, and five trips to the state tournament. In addition, Jack received many awards, most of which were voted upon by his peers. These included many Fox Valley Association Coach of the Year awards, the Red Smith Award, the Menasha Sports Hall of Fame, the Kimberly Sports Hall of Fame, the UW-Oshkosh Sports Hal l of Fame, and the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement in 1992, Jack enjoyed traveling, golfing, and spending time at his cottage. Since coaching young people was still in his blood, he also volunteered at various sports camps over the years. Jack's most treasured times were those spent with his dear family and close friends.

Jack is survived by his wife: Marge Wippich of Darboy; three children: William (Livia) Wippich of Los Angeles and their sons Maxwell and Jonathan; Meg (Stuart) Olson of Birchwood, Wisconsin and their sons Thor and Gunnar; and Ammie (Jim) Ebben of Combined Locks and their children Beau, Bailey, Brett, and Bryce. Jack is also survived by a brother: Donald (Nancy) Wippich of Menasha; a sister: Florence Babbitts of Menasha; and a sister-in-law: Carolyn (Robert) Kleinfeldt of Verona, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marge's parents Ewald and Margaret (Lange) Grenke, an infant son David Lee Wippich, and a brother-in-law Cedric Babbitts.

The funeral liturgy for Jack will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 23, 2005 at St. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 E. Wallace Street in Combined Locks with Fr. Jim Lucas and Fr. Robert Vandenberg officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service.

Memorial contributions will be used to fund a Kimberly High School Athletic Scholarship.