Gary Sippola
November 30, 1942 - October 19, 2015
Obituary
Madison -
Gary L. Sippola, age 72, passed away peacefully at home, after a long struggle with several illnesses, on Monday, October 19, 2015. He was born on November 30, 1942 in Highland, WI, the son of Eino and Wilma (Harms) Sippola. Gary grew up in Highland and in his youth his entrepreneurial spirit was kindled, sharing a newspaper route with his twin sister, Karen. In the early 60's he moved to Madison and was a co-owner of The Rec Room on Madison's near Eastside. He was united in marriage to Mary Kovars in 1965. They began a series of family businesses which included Lakeview Laundromat, Ever Ready Rollin' Pizza (later Gary's Pizza) and Gary's Investments (newspaper dealership). Gary was proud to have his family very involved in these ventures. Before retirement he enjoyed his years working at Superior Radiographics as a service technician.
Gary had an inquisitive mind, could fix anything and loved to tinker with things to figure out how they worked. He used these skills to help many of his family and friends. He loved the opera, gambling, eating breakfast out and spending time at the YMCA. Gary cherished the last 15 years sharing a home, joking and playing with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Lee Sippola and Wendy (Justin) Cruz; granddaughters, Emma and Maya Cruz; his brothers, Duane (Marlene), Dean (Barb) and Don (Elanea) Sippola; his beloved twin sister, Karen (Steve) Basye; his former wife, Mary (Billy) Culligan; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including, special double nieces: Wanda, Pam, Brenda, Deena, Layna and Sonya; special "grandchildren", Kara, Kassie and Kody; and "great-granddaughter",Vivianne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Aron; his brother, Ronald; brother-in-law, Hank Kovars and nephew, Dale Sippola.
There will be a gathering to celebrate Gary's life, from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Castle Rock Inn, 15040 Shemak Road, Muscoda, WI.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the diabetes charity of your choice, in Gary's name.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, Agrace HospiceCare and BrightStar Care.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit, www.ryanfuneralservice.com.