of Conway, AR

July 13, 1934 - October 27, 2025

Johnny E. Wipf, 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 27, 2025. Throughout his long life he faithfully trusted in the Lord and lived out his faith in quiet strength and steadfast devotion. His greatest desire was that others would come to know and love the Lord as he did.

Johnny E. Wipf was born on July 13, 1934, to Albert and Elizabeth (Gross) Wipf near Yale, SD. He attended a rural school and graduated from Yale High School in 1954. After graduating from high school, he worked on the farm. In 1955, he worked for the Yale Lumber Company until 1957. Then he was drafted into the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1959. On August 26, 1959, he married Elaine Wollmann from Freeman, SD. They made their home in Huron, SD where they had two daughters: Karla and Carmen. After returning from the service, he worked for George C. Green and Sons, Lumber Co in Huron, for 30 years. After the closing of the lumber yard, Johnny had various jobs until he was employed by Huron University where he was the maintenance supervisor for 13 years. He was instrumental in the restoration of Voorheers Hall on the university campus. He retired in 1999. Three years later, Roger Kleinsasser asked him to work with him on various construction projects. He enjoyed working with Roger for the next four years. His greatest passion was to work in his shop, building and refurbishing many old and broken-down pieces of furniture. His family has many pieces of his craftmanship displayed in their homes. Johnny also had a beautiful vegetable garden each year. They enjoyed canning the produce. He willingly helped Elaine by digging up new beds and maintaining her flower garden.

Johnny and Elaine enjoyed doing many things together from gardening, to cooking, shopping, entertaining, and traveling. They visited all 50 states, including Canada and Mexico. Spending time with family was important to Johnny. Even though his grandchildren were many miles away, he made sure they visited often so they could watch their activities they were involved in. There was always a ''to-do'' list from the girls when their dad came to visit.

In 2019, they moved to Conway, AR. He thoroughly enjoyed helping his grandchildren with projects at their homes. They immediately became involved in Woodland Heights Baptist Church and later became members.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Elaine (Wollmann) Wipf, Karla (Marty) Walter of Conway, AR, and Carmen (Greg) Dietz of Newton, KS. Grandchildren: Derek (Lauren) Walter, great grandsons, Grant and Ty Walter, Beau (Cynthia) Walter, Mica Walter, Blake (Grace) Walter, great granddaughter Camryn, Drew Dietz, and Warren Dietz. Brother, Harry (June) Wipf, Huron, sisters-in-law, Delores Wipf of Weslaco, TX, Arlene Wipf, of Yale, SD, Maureen Wollmann of Moorhead, MN, Joyce Hofer of Freeman, SD, and brother-in-law, Bob (Cheryl) Wollmann of Freeman, SD. Alongside several nieces, nephews, friends, and family that will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Elizabeth Wipf, parents in law, Bill and Jessie Wollmann, sister Sylvia (Andie) Hofer, brothers Edward Wipf, Herbert (Cleo) Wipf, Ted Wipf, brothers-in-laws, Eldon Wollmann, Junior Paul Wipf and Ray Hofer.

He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, kind heart, and the way he pointed others to Christ through both his words and example. He became a believer as a young man and was always in awe that Jesus would die to save him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund at Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Conway, AR.

 

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