Myrna B. Sippel

Myrna B. Sippel, age 93, of Thomson, Illinois, died on November 18, 2017 at the Alverno Healthcare Facility, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson. Burial will take place in Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Memorials may be given to the church in Myrna’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com .

Myrna was born on November 18, 1924, the daughter of H. Bert and Dora (Houzenga) Rush in Fulton, Illinois. She attended Prophetstown High School and graduated with the Class of 1942. She married Donald E. Sippel on June 20, 1943 in Prophetstown, Illinois. Donald died on January 6, 1992 in Clinton, Iowa.

Myrna taught Kindergarten in Thomson and later became the Food Service Supervisor, before retiring in 1986. She also worked at Wyndcrest Nursing Home in Clinton, Iowa for fifteen years. Myrna loved her community and was involved in many organizations and community events. She was a member of the Thomson United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Methodist Women. Myrna served as Secretary for the Thomson Melon Days Association and was the past Treasurer of the Thomson Depot Museum. Myrna was also a past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as the past President of the Thomson Women’s Club. She also served her community by dedicating her time to local Hospice’s, Meals on Wheels and the P.TA.

Myrna will be dearly missed by one son, Stephen (Linda) Sippel of Thomson; three daughters, Merrie Jo Pauley of Thomson, Donna Opheim of Thomson, and Cathy Brown of Thomson; nine grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; one grandchild; two great grandchildren; two sons in-law, Bud Opheim and Donald Pauley; two brothers, Irvin and Robert Rush; and two sisters, Nellie Cunningham, and Ethel Lurch.