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In Memory

Clarke Dippell VIEW PROFILE

Clarke Dippell, 81, passed away on July 8, 2021 at Memorial Hospital.  Clarke was born on January 15, 1940 in Huntington, Indiana to the late Randle and Cheri Dippell.

Clarke graduated from Huntington High School in 1957 where he played football and baseball.  He attended Moorehead State University and graduated from Indiana State Teachers’ College in 1963 with a Bachelor Degree in Education.  He was an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity.  After college, he became a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force via selective service.  He was stationed in Omaha, Nebraska as a cartographer, where he met his wife, Janet Skupa.  They were married on May 7, 1966.  In 1967, they moved to South Bend to start a family and a career in education.

He secured a teaching position with South Bend School Corporation and began teaching at Lincoln and Coquillard schools.  After a few years, he decided to further his education, receiving Master’s Degree from Indiana State University in 1972.  He taught Social Studies at Clay, Riley and Adams High Schools introducing the board games “Risk” and “Battleship” to generations of students.  Having also coached basketball at Clay and football at all three schools.  Clarke was Head Coach of Riley High School from 1977-1988.  He retired from  South Bend Schools in 2006.

Along with his wife, Janet, Clarke is survived by his three children, Randy (Diane), Cathy, and Andy (Maggie) and five grandchildren; Brianna, Dean, Ava, Tyler,  and Clarke.

Among his many qualities, Clarke was an aspirational golfer, Master of Dad Jokes, subtle insults and wry humor, unfortunate St. Louis Cardinals fan, MAC football fan – showing most loyalty to the Toledo Rockets, for reasons unknown; voracious reader, car aficionado (although he would drive with both feet, even with an automatic), footwear fanatic, average bridge player, distruster of redheads and lefties (although a lefty himself), identified as a “Rogue” in his Senior High School Yearbook, history buff, all-around charmer and affable friend. Mentor. Educator. Husband. Father. Grandfather.  Beloved by his students, peers, athletes, and most of all, his family.

A Prayer Service for Clarke will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 17, 2021 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN 46530.  Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM – 1:00PM at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN 46530.

Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel are assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.



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