John "Jack" Cipperly

John "Jack" Cipperly

June 29, 1935 - October 08, 2024

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Obituary

On a sunny day, June 29, 1935, Genevieve (Walsh) Cipperly, a second-generation Irish immigrant, was on her way from Madison to Fond du Lac to visit her estranged, second­ generation Norwegian immigrant husband, Otis Cipperly. This was when Jack (John William) made his surprise appearance. He was named by the priest who baptized his premature, little self. As soon as she was able, Genevieve returned to Madison, where Jack lived the rest of his life.

He attended Randall Kindergarten, Blessed Sacrament grade school and Edgewood High School with the Dominicans. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Jack returned to Madison and worked on construction at Icke Construction Company for six summers and two full years. With these savings and the GI bill, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelors, Master's and Ph.D. He served as an Assistant Dean in the College of Letters and Science, working with students and staff for thirty­ two years, which seemed a job made in heaven for him.

Jack married his bride of sixty-one years, Kay Marie (Japlon) Cipperly in Oak Park, Illinois. He is survived by Kay's beloved, abundant family and some very special friends: Jim, Peter, John, Alan, Otis, Joe, Reginald, Pat, Mark, Mary, Geoffrey, Steve and our "adopted family'' in Madison, Amit and Nati, Miguel and Veronica. A special good-bye to many dear friends who know who they are and to wonderful neighbors who enriched our time in the neighborhood.

Jack was a renowned story teller who always enjoyed a good laugh, especially on himself. He did not want a fuss, so there will be a small private service for family. His final wish was to be remembered with a smile.

Finally, a tip of the hat to the angels at Agrace who are incredibly deserving of the highest praise for their extraordinary commitment to people in need.

His great heart finally gave out on October 8, 2024, in the early hours.

To honor Jack you may want to say a prayer so he ends up in the right place, or have a happy thought of him, or make a contribution to your favorite charity. And may God bless us, one and all.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

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John "Jack"
BK
Beth Fiore Kral
Friend •
I met at Jack Cipperly on a summer day in 1982 somewhere on Bascom Hill, where I guess his office was. I was looking up information on medical schools in the US. Suddenly this kind gentleman came out and asked me what I was up to and we got talking. He introduced himself as Jack Cipperly, a Dean of Students. I went into his office and he brought up my transcripts and we talked about the languages I’d taken and music class and what the rush was to rush off to medical school. It was a most amazing day. We spent three hours together and after all the discussions, he really ended up changing the direction of my life. The next year I worked to get take more French classes, so I would have enough to apply to the UW junior year abroad program to France for the following year. And there I was in fall 1984 in Aix-en-Provence, France for a year thanks to Jack Cipperly. And everything that happened after that was due to having gone to France and living a year in Europe and traveling around. I didn’t come back to go straight into medical school. I had other horizons open to me. I met my husband to be and we opened a European-style coffeehouse in downtown Madison. We traveled to Europe a few times together to visit his family there. I have thought of Jack many times since then as I really appreciated him very much. And I’m so sorry to learn of his passing.
EH
Emily Albrink Fowler Hartigan
Coworker •
So sorry I missed the time, but my years working with him in South Hall were among the most fruitful for me in terms of LEARNING. What a good soul! Love you, Jack.
GM
Gordy Mueller
Other •
Condolences from Gordy Mueller and Bob Breen, Friends of Jack from Frankenberger dorm.
MC
Meg Ouellette Cates
Other •
I remember Jack's kind and loving voice. He always had such a way of making. You feel OK. I do remember when we needed a favor or two he would say, "what's the use of knowing a Dean if he can't do anything for you?" I also remember him telling me what love felt like. He told me that it was when you felt comfortable in a room, with your loved one. No words needed to be spoken. Just a feeling of contentment. Jack will be remembered by our entire family. He did have such a big heart! Meg Ouellette Cates
BA
Breanna, Agrace
Other •
In honor of Jack
PF
Pat Fessenden
Other •
Jack Cipperly has been the most wonderful teacher, mentor, role model and friend. Jack introduced so many students and staff to the wonderful University of Wisconsin- Madison and the City of Madison. Kay, thank you for sharing your wonderful.husband Jack. He will always be remembered as so special!

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