Kenneth L “Kenny” Gipple

Kenneth L “Kenny” Gipple, age 73, of Atlantic, Iowa, died on November 30, 2011, at the Cass County Hospice Center from cancer.
Kenny, a lifelong resident of the Atlantic area, was born November 4, 1938 on a farm outside of Anita to Kenny Sr. and Jessie (Gaines) Gipple. Kenny attended school in Atlantic where he was active in many sports including baseball, basketball and football. After his graduation from Atlantic High School in 1957, Kenny enrolled in college at Northwest Missouri State University where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Kenny enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961 and spent time overseas in Germany and Austria and earned many commendations during his time in the service.
Upon his discharge from the Army, Kenny returned to Atlantic and began his first stint with Walnut Grove. Kenny was united in marriage with Dianne J. Budden in Ashton, Iowa on June 24, 1967. Shortly after, Kenny and Dianne moved to Denver where he worked in construction. Kenny and Dianne returned to Iowa in 1970 and Kenny again went to work for Walnut Grove where he stayed for the next thirty years, holding several positions including Plant Manager, District Manager and Fleet Manager. After his retirement from Walnut Grove in 1991, Kenny worked for a brief period of time with his brother, Charlie, and then started his second career with Camblin’s Plumbing & Heating where he worked in the office and store up until his death.
Throughout his life, Kenny enjoyed construction along with building and remodeling homes. His knowledge of the “trades” was learned from his father and self-taught. During his time at Walnut Grove, Kenny helped to design and oversee the construction and remodeling of several feed plants throughout Iowa and Illinois. Kenny extensively remodeled both of the homes that he and Dianne shared in Atlantic and enjoyed helping out his neighbors, family and friends on their weekend projects. Kenny also enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was able to find some spare time and spent many hours with his dad and brother, Charlie, pheasant hunting around rural Atlantic.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dianne; his son Ken (Patricia) Gipple of Chicago, his daughter Kimberly (Jeff) Blair of Kansas City, his grandchildren Ben, Anna, Andrew and Holly. Also surviving are his sister Judy Rathman of Atlantic, his brother Dan (Pam) Gipple of Shell Knob, Missouri and many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. His parents and his younger brother, Charlie, preceded Kenny in death
The family thanks Kenny’s many friends and neighbors who have been so kind and spent time visiting with him while he was hospitalized in Des Moines and in Atlantic. A very special thanks to the Cass County Hospice Center for their kindness and caring for Kenny.

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