Wallace Whipple – Sept. 28, 2021

Wallace Whipple, 86, Marion, ND died September 28, 2021 at Eventide Assisted Living at Jamestown, ND. Wallace Whipple was born December 5, 1934 on the family farm 2 miles north of Marion, ND, the son of Ivan and Olive (Baertsch) Whipple. He was raised and attended school in Marion, graduating in 1952. After graduating, he attended the Gale Institute in Minneapolis for 6 months. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 6 months and then for the Great Northern Railroad. He joined the United States Navy in 1954. On October 2, 1959, he married Edith Hamm at Grace United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, Maryland. During his years in the military, Wally had the opportunity to see many different places with two of his favorites being Australia and Alaska. After his discharge from the Navy in 1975, he and Edith moved to Marion, ND where they established a home and created lasting friendships. In retirement, he worked for many years as a school bus driver.

Anyone who spent time visiting with Wally soon learned of his passionate support of his hometown, the US Navy, and his job as a bus driver to hundreds of people over the years. He especially loved the opportunities he had to drive basketball teams to the state tournament. His love for his bride of 49 years was evident in his devotion to her throughout their lives together and the love and pride he felt for his children was also a frequent theme of his conversations.

Wallace was a lifetime member of the VFW, a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, and a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Marion, ND.

Survivors include two children: Patricia Whipple (Mike Freeman), Carrington, ND; Steven Whipple (Bismarck, ND), a sister Grace Steele, Jamestown, ND, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, beloved friends, and the children and grandchildren of his heart: Mariah Fischer, Bismarck, ND; Michaela (Drew) Rohrich, Bismarck, ND; Erin (Kirk) Jones, Somerville, Texas; Devin and Landon Piehl, Marion, ND; Tasha Piehl, Fargo, ND; and Haidyn Freije, Jamestown, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Olive Whipple; his wife, Edith, and an infant brother, Harold.

A funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 2 at Grace United Methodist Church, Marion, ND with Pastor Mark Turner officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Marion, ND.

Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.