Obituaries

Eugene Elmer Wipfel was born on February 8, 1946 in Chicago, IL to the late Carrel Orville Wipfel and Delores “Boots” Scudder. He lived a simple life, worked hard, loved his family, and never needed much to be happy.

For many years, he proudly worked as a garbage truck driver, providing for his family through honest, hard work. But the role that meant the most was being a father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He was the proud father of Sonya (Ronnie) Taylor, Jefferson “Pete” Wipfel, Howard Wipfel, Elmer (Coleen) Wipfel, Aaron Wipfel, and Melinda (Michael) Fraley. His family continued to grow with 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 8 great great-grandchildren who loved him dearly. He was also the proud step-father of Charlie Iles, Kathy Iles, Dale (Rocio) VanHouten, and David VanHouten. His step-family grew with 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren who he loved dearly.

Eugene is survived by brothers Carrel “Ralph” (Darla) Wipfel, Lawrence (Theresa) Wipfel, William “Joe” Wipfel, sister Helen Murphy and step-sister Charlotte Harrison, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Matthew Wipfel, step-sons Jerry Iles, Ronnie Iles, brother Michael (Laura) Rietdorf, and sister Edna (Michael) Smith, along with several step-brothers and step-sisters.

Eugene was simply Eugene—stubborn, dependable, loving in his own way, and a source of comfort just by being around. He didn’t need to do anything extraordinary to leave an extraordinary impact on his family. We loved him for exactly who he was.

His life may have been simple, but the love he gave and the memories he left behind will stay with his family forever.

Funeral services will be held 10AM Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Floral Hills Funeral Home, Chapel A. Visitation will be Tuesday from 8-10 AM. Interment to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens with military gravesite rites.