Harold F. Lipke,Sr.

Harold F. Lipke, Sr, age 84 of Freedhem, MN passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2009 in Ripley Township, Morrison County, MN. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Little Falls with Rev. Robert Frank officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls. Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Friday at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls and Saturday from 9:00-10:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church. A prayer service will be held Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral chapel. Harold Frank Lipke, Sr. was born May 9, 1925 in New Auburn, MN to the late Emil and Martha (Bartels) Lipke. He grew up near Biscay, MN where he attended country school. Following his schooling, Harold worked for other farmers in the area. He was united in marriage to LaVonne R. Schulte on August 25, 1950 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, MN. In 1958, Harold and LaVonne moved to Ripley Township, Morrison County, MN where they owned and operated a farm. He also worked as a carpenter for Luvern Hanson. LaVonne died September 10, 2000. Harold continued to live on the farm. Two months ago, due to his failing health, Harold moved to his son and daughter-in-law's home, Harold Jr. (Dan) and Connie Lipke, residing there until his death. Harold was a man of strong faith. He enjoyed being with family and friends, listening to Olde Tyme Music, rooting for the Minnesota Twins,hunting, fishing, carpentry and playing cards. Harold was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Little Falls. Harold is survived by his son, Harold (Dan), Lipke, Jr. & wife, Connie, of Little Falls; daughter, Sharon Pusc & husband, Larry, of Rochester, MN; siblings, Helmuth Lipke of Little Falls, MN, Alice Schwartzrock of Glencoe, MN, Carol Stockman of Hamburg, MN and Ervin Lipke & wife, Janet, of Massachusetts; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne; parents; siblings, Lorraine Rosnow, Marie Opatz, Olga Opatz, Walter Lipke, Arnold Lipke and Fred Lipke; grandchildren, Kyle & Chad Lipke and a great grandchild, Nadia Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers are Tracy VanHercke, Tammy & Lee Chisholm, Jamie Lipke, Kayla Bates, Raquel Sahs, Rochelle Johnson, Brian & Maria Pusc and Steven & Jess Pusc. Casket Bearers are Clint Lipke, Clay Lipke, Derek Lipke, Paul VanHercke, Darvin Keehr and Joe Bates.