Thomas Ipsan
July 24, 1929 ~ February 8, 2018
Thomas Anthony Ipsan, 88, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully, February 8, 2018, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2018, at All Saints Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend John R. Flaherty. Visitation: 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, with a Vigil Service beginning at 1:30; visitation also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: St. John's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Christopher (Ellen) Ipsan, Lisa (Edward) Van Der Heiden, Nina (Matthew) Stanley, Kathryn (Scott) Matchett, Robin (Charlotte) Ipsan, Matthew (Melissa) Ipsan; step-son, Dr. Matthew Lehner; step-daughter, Monica (Jeffrey) Meeker, MD; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, David (Marge) Ipsan; sisters, Nancy Schmidt and Barbara Jost; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Thomas Anthony Ipsan was born July 24, 1929, in Fairfield, Iowa, to Anthony and Christena (Dimmitt) Ipsan. He attended Wilson High School, Cedar Rapids, where he participated in many sports, and graduated in 1947; he then went on to Coe College and Iowa State University. Tom worked as the former president and owner of Appleby and Horn Tile Company, retiring after over 30 years. Tom belonged to many boards over the years, including the Mount Vernon High School Board, the Hawkeye Section Mercedes-Benz Club, and was the Linn County Representative for the Iowa Barn Foundation. He was also instrumental in planning the Class of 1947's reunions.
Tom enjoyed outdoor activities, especially caring for the house he designed and built outside of Mount Vernon. He could be found mowing, and checking off tasks from the multiple lists he'd written. He appreciated barns, traveling'especially taking family to Croatia, driving his Mercedes, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary Kay (Rasmussen); and brother-in-law, Clifford Schmidt.
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Our condolences to the Ipsan family. Tom was a great guy, husband,father. We have known him for over 55 years. We have enjoyed many happy times with Tom Mary and the children. Our hearts are breaking along with yours. Tom will be missed by all. May God be with your family at this sad time. We love you all very much. We wish we could have been there for you.
Dick and Jan Hendrickson
Tom was a wonderful man and he had a wonderful family. Tom was a talented man with many interests, and he handled those interests exceedingly well. He was a master at whatever he did. I knew of Tom when he was a student and an athlete at Wilson High School in Cedar Rapids. As in life, he gave 100 percent in the classroom and in all of his athletic endeavors. Tom will be missed very much. My prayers are with his family.
I met Tom and Mary Vi (who is a 3rd cousin) for the first time in the late 90’s. Since that time I had occasion to enjoy several lunches or dinners with them as I passed through the area on my way from Great Falls, Mt headed for the Chicago area. Although the visits were few and short, we managed to share a good story or two along with some joyful laughter. He was soft spoken and a barrel of laughs.
I’ll miss not being able to visit with him as I pass thru there in the future. The only family of his that I knew was his wife Mary. I grieve for her and wish her well. Tom will be missed by a lot of people and especially Mary. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace.. I will keep Tom and Mary in my prayers.
we are so sorry Mary. Tom was a great neighbor and friend i never new a harder worker than Tom it didnt matter what time of year it was if i was out side i could hear Tom running chainsaws and if i didnt hear that i would look that way and you would see his gator or tractor because he was always out doing something i was always in awe how much work he could do age never slowed him down i can only hope to be able to do that in my later years . it broke my heart this last year when i noticed he wasnt out as much i will truly miss him as a neighbor and friend.. Mark n Beth Vozenilek
I was so very saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. There was something about him that I was always drawn to, a twinkle in his eye, and that smile. I just adored him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family. Krista, Wade & Isabella Squiers
My deepest sympathy to Mary and all of Tom’s family! I have known Tom my entire life, and he was always Special to our Family! He was a Good Man, and he will be missed! Sending Love and Sincere Condolences! ❤
I’m sorry I will be out of town, and not able to attend his “Celebration of Life”! I will be thinking of you!!
Love, Tammy (Hendrickson) McKenna
Thanks Tammy. We think of you and your sisters often with fond memories. It was so nice seeing your parents last week! Hugs and love, Lisa
Chris & Lisa – I’m very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Though we haven’t seen each other since your mother’s death so many years ago, I have thought of my old friends many times over the years. I hope life has treated you both well. Recall the many fond memories of your dad — and your mom — to help you get through this very difficult time of great sorrow. Your father is now in the Nearer Presence of God, with his suffering a thing of the past. I will keep both of you, and all the rest of your family, in my prayers. God Bless! -Andy Weaver
Thanks, Andy! We appreciate your kind thoughts!
Dear Chris, Lisa and Family, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. Although it’s been many years ago, I remember how nice he was and his devotion to his children. You were blessed to have him for so many years. Chris, we had fun times volunteering at Mercy (I think Lisa did, too) and MV Homecoming – warm memories of the good old days. May God bless you all with His love and peace in the days ahead.
Love and Hugs,
Kathleen Sterenchuk O’Donnell
Hi Kathy, thanks for your condolences and the fond memories. It is good to hear from you!
Dear Family, my sympathy on the passing of your Dad. It has been many, many years since I’ve seen him. He worked with my father-in-law, John Kehrer. In fact I think your Dad and John bought the land that your Dad built his home on. He was always so nice to Joyce Humble (Kehrer) and myself. He attended our wedding in 1961. He also traveled to Decherd, TN to install a new kitchen for John’s sister, Esabelle Smith. He had a good long life. Fond memories of a nice person who left a positive “imprint” for all of us. My prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Ipsan. My heart goes out to Chris, Lisa and the entire family on the loss of your beloved father. Mr. Ipsan was always a favorite at the Ford garage during the time my father was the owner. I also remember running into him at the General Store in uptown Mt. Vernon. It was nice to drink a “cold one” during those hot Iowa summers. Mr. Ipsan loved his family and was a gentlemen at all times. He will be missed by many.
Mike Murphy
To the Family of Tom Ipsan, I just learned of the passing of Mr. Ipsan and wish to extend my sincere sympathies to his entire family. Have not seen Tom for several years now (believe it was at the funeral for my mother, my mother and his mother were sisters) but remember him as always gracious, outgoing and loving. I’m sure he will be missed by all and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to all – Janet C. Kayan