Christopher Ipson
February 22, 1956 ~ May 13, 2024
Christopher John 'Ipper' Ipson (1956-2024), beloved brother, uncle, teammate, and friend. Chris was known as a kind, generous man, a man of few words whose twinkling eyes and grin spoke volumes. Chris loved hockey, fly fishing (earning Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited 1999 volunteer of the year), and of course his golden retrievers.
Chris excelled as a hockey athletic trainer, possessing a quiet passion for helping 'the guys' prevent and heal from injuries, and adding equipment manager duties upon joining the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in 2011. There he earned the St. Luke's Living the Mission award in 2017-2018. Before recently transitioning to partial retirement and being named Special Ops Director, Chris was honored recently by the RoughRiders at his 2,000th game with the team.
Chris made significant marks in hockey, including Michigan Tech University, the New Jersey Devils, the Montana Magic, the Wichita Wind, and the Fort Worth Texans. As Head Athletic Trainer for the US In-line Hockey Team, he received a gold medal along with the team when they won the 2004 World Championships in Germany.
Professional memberships included the National Athletic Trainers Association and the American College of Sports Medicine and an instructor for the American Heart Association. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his Master of Arts at Denver University. While at the University of Wisconsin, Chris cherished his time at the Sigma Phi fraternity, where he formed many lifelong friendships.
Chris is predeceased by his parents, Joan, and John Ipson.
He is survived by five siblings, Ronald Ipson, Littleton, Colorado, Linda Tempel, Apple Valley, Minnesota, Eric (Janelle) Ipson, Castle Rock, Colorado, Wesley (Doreen) Ipson, Branchburg, New Jersey, and Ann Ipson, Centennial, Colorado; ten nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and -nephews.
Please share your support and memories with Christopher's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
So sad to hear. Chris was so devoted as a professional and was such an integral part in keeping me updated with the dental needs of the teams players. Such a special and caring life.
Dr Joel Sardzinski
Chris was someone who helped make the world a better place. He was kind, modest and understated, had a gentle sense of humor, and gifted with knock your socks (or should I say skates?) off professional skills. I was lucky enough to be the cook at Sigma Phi during his years at UW-Madison. Getting to know him was one fabulous perc of that job. Vicki (aka Drops)
I first met Chris when I was a penalty box attendant and we ran into each other while we were walking our dogs. He ‘hired’ me to take care of his boy while he was away on overnight Roughrider road trips. I would not accept any compensation. At the end of each season I would receive a gift card for Omaha Steaks. Later Chris hired me to launder the visiting teams uniforms if they were spending the night in CR. What a grand gentleman. I am so saddened that Chris has passed from this Life but I do know that he has embarked on his ‘Soul Journey.’ Imagine for a moment what this world would be like if everyone treated others like Chris Ipson did during the days of his Life.
Thank you for being a special friend Chris.
I hope to see you on the other side !
Eric Oliver
To the family of Chris “Ipper” Ipson,
Please find peace in knowing how deeply loved Ipper was here in Cedar Rapids. There will never be another soul like him. He was genuine, so kind, and selfless. Even though he was a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. Ipper had some of the best one-liners that we will all miss. His sense of humor and quick wit always brightened our days.
I will miss his daily visits to the front office, checking on the mail and always asking, “You need anything?” with that characteristic smirk. His thoughtfulness and genuine care for everyone around him were remarkable. He loved everyone, and each player was like one of his very own. He made sure they were taken care of and cherished every single minute.
Ipper’s work ethic and positive attitude were truly admirable. He approached every task with dedication and a smile, setting an example for all of us. His ability to remain positive and supportive, no matter the circumstances, was inspiring. He touched many lives with his kindness and generosity.
Ipper is irreplaceable and will never be forgotten. Ipper was “Simply the Best.”
With heartfelt sympathy,
Tammy Carlson
On behalf of the CR RoughRiders Off-Ice officials, we are saddened by his passing. He was a great person and we will all miss his presence at the ice arena.
Chris, thank you for the years of friendship. Although you are a man of few words, your heart spoke volumes. Your generosity is unparalleled. Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my dear friend.
There was NOTHING better than an Ipper smile. What a great man. It was a true pleasure being a teammate of his at Michigan Tech for 4 years. You will be missed Ipper!!!
I got my start in the hockey business way back in 1989 with Ipper at Michigan Tech. I decided very quickly that if I were to stay in this business I needed to be more like Chris. His quite demeaner and team/player first mentality was something I really admired, and I still live by. I’m not sure I ever really shared that with him, but I want to think he knew. Goodbye Ipper, I’m so lucky to have worked and known you.
In memory of Ipper
In memory of Chris.
I am so sorry to all of the Ipson siblings . Chris was quiet and gentle. May all of you have wonderful memories as you think of him.