Thomas F. Sippel

Thomas (Tom) Sippel, 95, a longtime resident of the Village of Lake Hallie, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Thursday, June 18, 2026, with his wife, Carol, by his side.

Tom was born September 25, 1930, in Lake Hallie to Alvin and Ida (Windsor) Sippel. Tom was one of seven children. He was raised in the Town of Hallie, attended Gower Grade School, and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1948. He entered the U.S. Army from 1951-1953, where he served in the Korean War as a member of the artillery division, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Tom married Shirley Zehm on October 10, 1953, in Stillwater, Minnesota. They had 3 children together, but later divorced. Tom worked as a carpenter/plasterer at National Presto Industries until retirement. He was the first member of the Hallie Park Board, proudly serving on this board for many years. He spent countless hours volunteering to mow the grass and maintain the ball fields throughout the Hallie Park complex. Tom's tireless work at Hallie Park led to a baseball field being named in his honor. He was extremely proud to wear the ball cap, "Sippel Field".

Tom loved the outdoors and enjoyed mowing grass, fishing, coaching and watching baseball and softball, and following sports of all kinds. Tom developed a love of riding motorcycles at age 18 and owned either a motorcycle or a Vespa for most of his adult life. He also enjoyed taking long walks, riding his bicycle, reading, watching the news on TV, and getting together with family members, particularly during picnics at Irvine Park.

Tom married Carol Hanson on October 23, 1987, in Chippewa Falls. They were soul mates and enjoyed doing most everything together, from bike rides, to following local baseball teams throughout the west central Wisconsin area, to fishing, to eating out every Friday, to attending Church every Sunday. Tom and Carol were long time members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa, where Tom ushered most Sundays, and Carol played the piano or sang in the choir. When Covid hit, Trinity closed for a year. Tom needed a Sunday service to attend, so they began attending Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Altoona. There they found a welcoming Church family, a wonderful Pastor (Tim Stein), and praise music that Tom seemed to love! He even had the privilege of mowing the lawn for several years at Bethlehem!

Tom is survived by his wife, Carol, his sister, Lorraine Gourley, Chippewa Falls, his children, Kim Thomas (Sue) Sippel of Red Hook, NY, and, Roxanne (George) Brown of Bensenville, IL, son- in-law Paul Sulliban of Matthews, NC; grandchildren Windsor, Bennett, and Tian Mei Sippel, Tiana Sullivan, Jordan and Arraelen Brown, 3 great grandchildren, Shiloh, Destry, and Elaina Sippel, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tom also became a father/grandfather figure to Carol's family in the almost 40 years they were married. He is survived by her son Brad (Donna), Winneconne, WI, daughter-in-law Joann Hanson, Chippewa Falls, sister-in-law Marlene Bredesen, Fall Creek, sister-in-law Donna Miller, Altoona, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard, Douglas, Robert, a brother in infancy, sister Teresa Spehle, daughter Lana Sullivan, three daughters in infancy, and step-son, Mark Hanson.

A Celebration of Life to remember Tom will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2245 Hayden Ave, Altoona with Pastor Tim Stein officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Military honors will be conducted after the celebration. Memorials can be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Altoona, The Community Table, or a charity of your choice.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family with services.