Stephen 'Steve' Hippe

Funeral services for Steve Hippe will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Indherred Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck, Minnesota. A visitation will be on Monday evening, from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

Stephen Paul Hippe was born on October 8, 1946, in Glenwood, Minnesota, to Harold and Charlotte (Peltier) Hippe. Steve was baptized on October 27, 1946, at Glenwood Lutheran Church by Reverend Quill. In December of 1955, Steve moved with his family to Starbuck. He continued his schooling in Starbuck and was confirmed at Indherred Lutheran Church on April 9, 1961, by Reverend Gerhard Forde. Steve graduated with the Starbuck High School class of 1964, following high school, he attended the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis from 1964-1965. After his schooling, Steve entered into the United States Army in January of 1966, serving as an IBM Analyst in the Chicago area during the Vietnam War until his discharge on January 17, 1968. After his honorable discharge from the Military, Steve returned home and began working for Starbuck Lumber for two years, then Alvin Vintage Construction, and he eventually began his own company, Hippe’s Woodcraft. On July 24, 1976, Steve was united in marriage to Marlene Nipstad at Hickson Lutheran Church in Hickson, North Dakota. They made their home in Starbuck and welcomed two children: Kara and Paul. Steve continued working as a cabinet maker until his health declined. In December of 2017, Steve became a resident of Grand Arbor in Alexandria until February of 2019, when he moved to Glacial Trails in Starbuck.

Steve was a member of Indherred Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council and was the Superintendent and taught Sunday School. Steve also served on the Minnewaska Lutheran Home and Luther Crest Board of Directors. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Starbuck Chamber of Commerce. Steve was a collector of all things, especially Starbuck Memorabilia, Indian artifacts, and antique cars and tools. His collection is grand and loaded with his many treasures collected over the years. He was a man of humor – always asking ‘did I already tell you that?’ Steve and Marlene traveled to many antique stores and auctions where the majority of his treasures were purchased; when Steve wasn’t busy collecting, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Steve loved his country, and took serving it with Pride, especially while serving on the Honor Guard with the Legion. His second home was his woodshop; he would spend many hours creating wood projects, many of which can be seen in many businesses, churches, and homes in the Starbuck area with the Minnewaska Lutheran Home being a big part of his work years. Steve had a deep love for his family, friends, and his community. He held a special place in his heart for his grandson, Grant.

Steve died peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, surrounded by his family, at Glacial Trails in Starbuck. He was 77 years old.

Steve is survived by his wife, Marlene of Starbuck; his daughter, Kara (John) Zimmerman of Northfield; his son, Paul (KaDee) Hippe of Starbuck; three grandchildren: Grant Zimmerman, Tanner Parr, and Maddie McKinnon; brothers: Raymond Hippe of Waconia, and Michael Wollan of Minneapolis; brothers-in-law: Dennis Berrier, Allan (Bonnie) Nipstad, and Jerome (Sandy) Nipstad; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends. Steve is preceded in death by his parents: Harold Hippe and Charlotte Gonea; step-fathers: Bernard Wollan and Ivan Gonea; brothers: Gary Wollan and Allen Hippe; sisters: Carol Berrier, and MariLou Labouglie; parents-in-law: Tyrell and Gladys Nipstad and one nephew, Troy Nipstad. 

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in care of arrangements for Steve.

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