Robert David Gipe

Robert D. Gipe, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Born on July 27, 1932, to Ellwood and Helen (Grimm) Gipe, Robert grew up on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong work ethic and a love for the land, helping care for cows, pigs, and crops. He attended Milledgeville schools and Milledgeville High School before embarking on a career in trucking, which became his life’s work and pride.

On August 24, 1952, Robert married Nancy Farthing, the love of his life. Their partnership spanned 72 years. They were blessed with four children and many joyous family gatherings on their farm near Pearl City, a cherished property Robert owned for 55 years.

Throughout his life, Robert combined his career as a truck driver with entrepreneurial pursuits, establishing both an excavating and trucking business with his best friend and neighbor, Robert Hasselman. Even as he approached his 90s, his dedication to his work remained; he only retired from trucking and farming at the age of 89. Known as a “gentle giant” with a heart of gold, Robert was a craftsman in his spare time, creating handcrafted oak furniture, each piece adorned with a heart—a signature touch loved by his family. He cherished taking long tractor rides with friends, sometimes lasting up to three days.

Robert will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, whose family always came first. His memory will be treasured by his children, Gregory Gipe of Pearl City; Sherry (Bill) James of Cordova, IL; and Dana (Tim) Geerts of Freeport, IL. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren, and his sister-in-law, Betty Wagner. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents; his daughter, Tammy; his granddaughter, Josee Pena; his great-grandson, Joey Geerts; his brother, Larry (Carol) Gipe; and his daughters-in-law, Kay Gipe and Patti Wisbeck.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark, IL, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Chadwick Cemetery. In accordance with Robert's wishes, his family requests no cards or memorials.