Donald Lipske
October 28, 1941 - July 31, 2021
Obituary
Verona- Donald E. “Don” Lipske, age 79, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021. He was born on October 28, 1941, in Neenah, WI, the son of Norman and Lucille (Liebergen) Lipske. Don graduated from Winneconne High School in 1959. He went on to attend UW-Oshkosh for 2 years, until transferring to UW-Whitewater. He graduated from UW-Whitewater in 1964 with a Bachelor of Business Administration – Majors in Accounting and Economics and licensed in areas of Life, Health, and Securities as a Registered Representative.
Don was united in marriage to Eleanor Lee “Ellie” DeLano on October 9, 1965, in Neenah, WI. Don held several positions with Ray-o-vac in Madison WI; he also worked as a financial planner & insurance agent with Mass Mutual & Lutheran Brotherhood; he was Owner & President of DEL Enterprises & Wisconsin Specialties - an advertising specialty business; he was also his own sales and marketing consultant for several national and local family businesses.
Don was a charter member and past president of Verona Lyons. He was also a member of the Jaycees, Elks Club, St James Lutheran Church and Dane Buy Local. Don also performed public speaking at many businesses and civic organizations.
Don loved the UW Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He played all sports, especially football and basketball. He played short stop on a softball league until age 62. Don coached girls softball for 0ver 20 years. He was the Skipper of Lipper’s Clipper - our pontoon boat on Lake Waubesa for 46 years. Don attended countless sporting events for his daughters and grandchildren as “The Number One Biggest Fan” as he would always say. He also loved snowmobiling and skiing. Every Wednesday you could count on Don playing dice with his buddies at the Waubesa Beach Yacht Club - dice league (which he kept a calendar of all his wins and losses).
Don was a social butterfly. He loved to surround himself with people and visiting many locations. He always had an infectious smile on his face and humorous story to tell. Don never forgot a name or a face that he came across during his adventures in life. You can view these adventures on his YouTube Channel – Donald Lipske. Don mentored many youths and was a 2nd Dad to all. Don lived life to the fullest with love, laughter and kindness. Every moment he spent here he always made sure to remind us his life was complete as long as he made one person smile and laugh a day. Though words cannot describe the great loss that everyone has suffered, we must keep in mind that “Reverend” Donald E. Lipske always told us to “keep her going” and to “live a little.” He wouldn’t want everyone to be mourning his loss. He would want everyone to celebrate his life and to carry on Donald E. Lipske’s Legacy… “I’ll have a drink to that.”
He is survived by his wife, Ellie; two daughters, Tina Lee (friend, Matt) Lipske and Tamara Lee (fiancé, “son-in-law,” Michael DeLano McComb) Lipske; her granddaughters, Tanasia Lucille Lipske and Mikayla Bell Lipske-McComb; and newest great-grandson, Ezekiel “Zeke” DeLano Lipske. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert (Dar) Lipske and Ruth (John) Buttke; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kathy DeLano Beier, Thomas (Donna) DeLano, Paul (Kristine) DeLano, Phillip (Margo) DeLano, Sara DeLano Teeter, and Helen DeLano Shara; double cousin, Fritz (Luona) Lipske; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and special friends: Dick Wickman and Karen Matzke, Larry and Judy Walker, Rod and Jeanne Radke, Sue Marschal, Matt and Michelle Seay and many, many Fraternity buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Lucille Lipske; and father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Maree Delano.
A few of our favorite quotes from Don: “Alexa, play 50’s music!” “Nice shot to remember!” “Always keep smiling!” and “I’d like to introduce my first wife – after 56 years I’m still on probation.”
We would like to thank all the wonderful people who came to his assistance and tried so hard to save him in his time of need.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lipske family.
A memorial service will be held at 7 PM on Friday August 13, 2021 at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona. Visitation will be held from 4 PM until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Details for Don’s Celebration of Life will be available at a later date.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.