WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Maurice M. Pippenger, age 79, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, July 14, 2012, at Matthew 7:7 Limited in White Pigeon, Mich.
He was born Feb. 18, 1933, at the family farm in Greenfield Township, Ind., a son of the late George and Ella (Royer) Pippenger.
Maurice resided in Sturgis since 2010. Before moving to Sturgis nearly his entire life was lived on the family farm. He was a graduate of Brighton High School in Brighton, Ind., where he excelled in basketball.
On Feb. 20, 1976, he married Emma Louise Smith in Colon.
He retired from the Kirsch Company in Sturgis following 38 years of dedicated employment as a plant engineer and he was always involved in his love of farming.
Maurice was a member of the First Congregational Church in Bronson and a life member of B.P.O.Elks #1314 in Sturgis. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing golf, visiting casinos and loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 36 years, Louise; three sons, Douglas (Louann) Pippenger of Las Vegas, Dennis Pippenger of Santa Monica, Calif., and Bob Pranga of Los Angeles, Calif.; two daughters, Robin (Gary) Tilden and Nancy Flowers, both of Sturgis; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Wilson of Orland, Ind.; one aunt, Pearl Schufelt of LaGrange, Ind.; one uncle, Fred Pippenger of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Funeral services celebrating the life of Maurice Pippenger will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Congregational Church, 139 W. Chicago St. in Bronson. Pastor Terry Seiler will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bronson.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Pippenger’s memory consider the Maurice and Louise Pippenger Sturgis Stingrays Scholarship Fund 216 Vinewood Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091, First Congregational Church, 139 W. Chicago St., Bronson, MI 49028 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2300 Portage St., Suite 341, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
