Larry Charles Gipe

GIPE, Larry Charles; of Waterford formerly of Clarkston; born June 11, 1935 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Everett and Alice Gipe; passed away peacefully December 20, 2025 at the age of 90;

father of Charles (Diane) Gipe, Elizabeth (Jim) Ranes, Jennifer Gipe and Marie (Russell) Siebert; grandpa of Jackie Gipe, Katie (Ross) Crofoot, Nate Gipe, Sam Gipe, Maggie Gipe, Gabe Gipe, Emma DiMarco, William Hankins, Griffin Hankins, Jacob Honchell, Alexandra Honchell, Alex Siebert, Cora Siebert and Spencer Siebert; great grandpa of Celine Hankins and Ellie Wang;

preceded in death by his parents; his wife Alicia "Jo" Gipe; his brother Thomas (Mary Carol) Gipe; and his sister Karen (late Ron) Bonnett.

As a child growing up on the farm in Malvern, Iowa, Larry was determined to win any argument he was involved in.  His mother Alice recognized his talent from a young age and encouraged him to pursue law.  Larry attended University of Iowa where he met his wife, Mary Elizabeth Doden. The two were married in 1958.  After graduating with his bachelor's degree, he went on to law school and graduated in 1961.  He put his law degree to use in service of his country, working as a judge advocate general in the Air Force until 1964.  In the coming years, Larry and Mary welcomed four children into their family.

After his divorce in 1972, Larry married Alicia "Jo" Joann Lewis.  Larry loved his family and enjoyed sharing his passion for music, frequently playing his guitar for them.  "House of the Rising Sun" was a particular favorite. In addition to music, Larry was very active and loved running and biking.  He participated twice in "RAGBRAI", an annual bike ride across the state of Iowa.  Larry practiced law in Marcus, IA for many years.  He and Jo later worked as managers for Motel 6.  Larry was also active in Alcoholics Anonymous, attending meetings and volunteering as a sponsor, empowering others in their struggle against addiction.

Larry spent the last 21 years of his life in Michigan living close to his son Charley.  He spent much of that time at Lourdes Nursing home, where he enjoyed participating in group activities. He was well loved by residents and staff alike and known for his skill at Wii bowling.

In his older age, Larry continued using his gifts for language and music to bring joy to those around him.  His grandchildren fondly remember the poems he would write for them on their birthdays, and the songs he would play for them on his guitar, just as he did for his own children.  "House of the Rising Sun" continued to be one of his favorites.

Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston on Sunday, December 28th from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Rosary service led by Knights of Columbus at 5:00pm.

Funeral Mass Monday, December 29th at 11:00am at St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston with visiting directly at the church at 10:30am.

Cemetery service with military honors Tuesday, December 30th at 10:00am at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's memory may be made to Lourdes Nursing Home , c/o Lourdes Senior Community Development Office, 2300 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328-14328-1439

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