The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

A funeral service for Verlus L. Pippert was held Monday, July 3, 2023, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley. Dr. Lynn Dau officiated.

Pallbearers were Lance Irvine, Chad Irvine, Mike Rosenberg, Steve Coulter, Marty Rahbusch and Roy Wohlert. Burial was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley, with military graveside rites conducted by Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Verlus LeRoy Pippert, son of Roy Wesley Pippert and Adelia (Glaser) Pippert, was born on Aug. 23, 1931, at home on their farm southwest of Hartley. He received his early education through the country school system at Center #1 and Lincoln #7, walking or riding his pony to and from school every day. He completed his education at Hartley High School in 1949. After graduation Verlus worked on the farm for his father, did custom baling and worked at the Hartley Creamery.

Verlus was united in marriage to Alice Mae Frerk on June 3, 1953, in Sutherland. Shortly after their marriage Verlus served two years in the United States Army, being stationed in Arkansas, New Jersey and Munich, Germany. Following his honorable discharge on April 9, 1955, Verlus and Alice lived in Hartley where he was employed by the Hartley Creamery. He ran a truck route for the creamery, picking up milk and eggs until 1958 when they began farming north of Sutherland. They relocated to the Pippert farm south of Hartley in 1963.

Verlus and Alice were blessed with four children: Patti, Ronda, Brian and Gary. Along with his farming operation, Verlus drove school bus for 31 years for the Hartley Community School. In August of 2001, Verlus and Alice moved into the town of Hartley. During their retirement years, they enjoyed several trips to Branson, Mo.

Verlus was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ and served on various committees. He and Alice enjoyed old-time music and going to dances; they were members of the TMTM (The More The Merrier) Dance Club in Hartley for many years. Verlus, known as "Pip" to everyone, had a great sense of humor and always had a joke or a funny story to share. He had a great memory and always amazed his family with the dates and events that he knew. He loved his family, treasured his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed life's simple pleasures. Having a burger or getting some ice cream was always a treat,

Alice passed away on April 21, 2022. Verlus moved to the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley on Aug. 1, 2022, and passed away there on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the age of 91 years, 10 months and six days.

Verlus was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Alice; his daughter, Patti Lynn Pippert; nephew, Tony Olhausen; sister-in-law, Glenda Rahbusch; and brother-in-law, Mike Frolkey.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Ronda (Lee) Irvine, of Primghar; two sons: Brian (Becky) Pippert, of Hartley, and Gary Pippert, of Spencer; five grandchildren: Lance Irvine, of Elgin, Minn., and his special friend, Terri Flynn; Chad (Jen) Irvine, of Spencer; Megan (Wyatt) Albert, of Hartley; Preston Pippert and Hailey Pippert, of Spencer; six great-grandchildren: Morgan, Wade, Trent and Grant Irvine, of Spencer; and Alice Kay and Lucy Albert, of Hartley; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Marlene Olhausen, of Cokato, Minn.; Herman Rahbusch, of Sutherland; Bill and Carol Frerk, of Primghar; LaDonna Frolkey, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Darla DeBerg, of Primghar; as well as many other relatives and friends.