Richard Samuel Hipskind

Richard Samuel Hipskind passed away peacefully on a calm Sunday morning, the 15th of November 2020, at 75 years of age. The son of Karl and Marion (Armstrong) Hipskind, Sam lived an honorable life and set a proud standard. He leaves this world better than he found it.

Sam was raised in a big Catholic family in Wabash, IN. He is survived by his siblings: Tom, Mike, Mary, Elizabeth, and Margaret. He is predeceased by his parents and brother Dan, who passed away while serving in the US Navy.

Sam was an unapologetic American Patriot who was proud of his country. He was more than happy to let you know it. Some of his patriotism was rooted in his honorable service in the US Navy, where he enlisted out of high school (Wabash High School ’63) alongside his brother Dan. Sam was a wartime veteran who served on the swift boats in Vietnam, one of the most dangerous tours of duty anyone can be asked to do. His service eventually led to an Honorable Discharge.

After leaving the Navy and returning to Wabash, Sam became a proud husband to Janice Elaine Weitzel in 1968. They would spend the next 52 years devoted to their marital vows to one another. They would proudly conceive seven children: Dan (Rhonda), Sam (Shelley), Jeff (Kary), Mark (Laura), Tim (Wendy), and Ashlee (Shane Kennedy). Their children blessed them with 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Sam and Jan's son Chad passed away before birth.

One of Sam's key tenets and character traits that he would instill and pass on to his children was the value of hard work and dedication. Sam was committed and stayed loyal to J.M. Reynolds Oil Co, where he diligently worked for 37 years leading to his eventual retirement.

Notably, Sam was a devout Catholic who was a member of the St Bernard Catholic Church every day of his 75-year life. Sam set a standard of commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with all of his heart. Sam’s most valued tenet was that his family follow his example and remain dedicated to the faith. He remained steadfast in his daily prayer with the Holy Rosary and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It was this commitment to Jesus that allowed Sam to pass away peacefully in his bed, in his home of over 40 years that he worked hard to raise a family in, next to his loving wife of 52 years.

Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church, 191  North Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Father Levi Nkwocha officiating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks will be required to attend mass.  Graveside interment will follow at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash.  

Calling hours will be Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Preferred memorials are to the St. Bernard Catholic Church, 207 North Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com.   

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