News Summary
Gregory James Lippe, a dedicated family man and educator, passed away at 73, leaving behind a legacy of service and strong family values. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, he excelled in education and professional careers, dedicating his later years to teaching and community engagement. His love for travel and family created enduring memories, and his family seeks to honor his memory through charitable acts and meaningful connections.
Dubuque, Iowa – Gregory James Lippe, a dedicated family man, educator, and community member, passed away at the age of 73 on June 16, 2025, at his farm in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. His lifelong commitment to service, family values, and education left a lasting impact on many.
Born on April 26, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, Greg was the youngest of four children born to Cletus and Delora Lippe. He is survived by his sister Faye Lippe, who currently lives in Temecula, California. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Margo, and brother George.
Early Life and Education
Greg Lippe attended Sacred Heart Parish School before graduating from Wahlert High School in 1970. Following high school, he moved to Mission Viejo, California, to pursue college. In July 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Ellen Linden. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served primarily at the Department of Defense Computer Institute in Washington, D.C.
After completing his military service, Greg and Peggy returned to the Midwest to further their education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, passed the CPA exam, and obtained an MBA in 1976.
Professional Career
Greg began his professional journey at Arthur Andersen in 1977 before transitioning into the health care industry. Over the years, he held various leadership roles in finance and business development and eventually became the CEO of a health care start-up. At the age of 50, Greg shifted his career to education, earning a master’s degree in education and teaching business courses at Whitefish Bay High School for eight years.
Life in Retirement
In retirement, Greg and Peggy settled on a 29-acre farm in the Driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin, where they put effort into improving the land and developed close relationships with their neighbors. The couple enjoyed extensive travel across Europe, exploring historic routes through Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and England. Greg found joy in simple pleasures such as sipping a brandy old-fashioned while watching Milwaukee Brewers games.
Throughout his life, he prioritized family and cherished the memories created with them, especially celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Together, Greg and Peggy raised seven children: Gareth, Eliot, Zachary, and Taylor Lippe, and daughters Meredith and Claire Lippe, along with their eldest daughter, Hannah Lippe, who lives in McKinleyville, California.
Legacy and Family
Greg took great pride in his role as a father to seven children, often remarking on their accomplishments as “pretty good.” He was also a devoted grandfather, affectionately known as “Poppa” to his twelve grandchildren. His family will remember him for his unwavering love, support, and humor that he shared with all those around him.
Greg lived by the example set by his father, approaching life and its challenges with grace, often sharing the belief that “good things lie ahead.” His family encourages those wishing to honor his memory to consider donating to charity, volunteering in their communities, or spending meaningful time with loved ones.
Memorial Services
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, July 12, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque, Iowa, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a traditional Mass at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be provided after the service. Additionally, a celebration of Greg’s life is being held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.
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Additional Resources
- The Freeman: Gregory Lippe Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- The Freeman: Local Health News
- Google Search: Community Service
- The Freeman: Local Education News
- Google Scholar: Education
- The Freeman: Community News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- The Freeman: Family News
- Google News: Family
