Gene Pippin

Gene Pip Pippin, 89, of rural Marshalltown, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at his home while surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of his life will be held at 11a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2012, at the LeGrand Friends Church. Burial will follow services at the LeGrand Friends Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted by the VFW Harry C. Harter Post #839 and American Legion Post #46, both of Marshalltown. Visitation for Gene will be held from 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 28, at the church where his family will be present to greet friends. Memorial contributions may be directed in his name to the Quakerdale Ranch Equestrian Project. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234.Gene was born September 1, 1922, in Bradford, Iowa, the son of Andy and Sophie (Porter) Pippin. His parents were tenant farmers and their family moved several times throughout his childhood. Gene graduated from the Owassa High School and then enlisted with the United States Army. Gene actively served his country during both World War II and the Korean War as a member of the Military Police. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and began driving dump trucks with his brother. A short time later he met the love of his life, Garrah, in Gifford, Iowa. Gene and Garrah were married on October 26, 1948, in Union, Iowa. During his lifetime, Gene worked as a manager at Earl May, Montgomery Wards, Bos Trucking and retired from Lennox Industries. Gene was an accomplished blacksmith and was responsible for the organization, restoration and re-opening of the MattEdel Blacksmith in Haverhill, Iowa. Gene enjoyed model airplanes, black powder guns, gardening, taking photographs, and blacksmithing. He and Garrah attended the LeGrand Friends Church, was a member and past President of the Toastmasters and the Mid-Iowa Antique Power Association. Above all, Gene will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to his family, who taught everyone the true value of family time spent together.Gene is survived by his wife Garrah of Marshalltown, his children: Terry Pippin, Sherri (Nick) Grossman, and Robb (Jackie) Pippin all of rural Marshalltown, his grandchildren: Jeraco (Justin) Grossman-Whitaker, Gabriel Grossman, Jacob Pippin and Sarah Pippin, his brother Harley Pippin, his nephews: Ron, Gary, Doug and Jim, his nieces: Glenda and Roxanne.Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Orville and Glen.