John Lippold

John (Jack) Bernard Lippold, 79 of Huntington Beach, CA,  Died 16th of July 2020

John was born in St. Marys, Iowa on the 26th of July 1940 to Tom and June Lippold, the sixth of their seven children.  His siblings Mary, Tim, Theresa (Tootie), Margaret, Jerome, and Sharon (Sherry) were all raised in a small town of approximately 100 people, centred on the church and community; these influences stayed with him throughout his life.

Following education at the local grade school and high school, John graduated with a class of 11 students and went on to study initially at St. Ambrose College and then completed a mechanical engineering degree at Iowa State.  He received and accepted a job offer at Douglas Aircraft on graduation and followed the sun to California in 1962.  While in California, he completed a master’s in mechanical engineering at California State, Long Beach.  He continued working in aerospace throughout his career moving to Garrett AiResearch / Allied Signal and generating several patents for airplane systems. 

Soon after arriving in California, he met, fell in love with and married Gwen Souza of Honolulu, Hawaii on the 27th of December 1963.  They raised their four children, Rebecca (Becky), Timothy (Tim), Thomas (Tom), and Jane, in Huntington Beach.  John and Gwen were happily married for 56 years, providing the model of stability, and an example of loving and forgiveness throughout their lives.

John was committed to his family, church, and supporting the many people who came into his life.  Whether he was joining his children on various trips, providing marriage classes for newlywed couples, or simply walking with his church to deepen his faith, John responded to all who asked for his help in the same way; with patience, kindness, and an eye for detail. Even in his old age, John always had a project he was willing to get on his hands and knees to accomplish.

Though John will be remembered for many things, we’ll remember his enjoyment of woodworking, gardening, and backpacking as his biggest pleasures. From the beautiful furniture he built for his family, to the hiking trips engaged in a with his carpool and church friends, and the many trips and days out with close friends Bob and Sue Haben, these aspects alongside countless others will let John continue to live on in our hearts.

He is survived by:

his wife Gwen;

his children and their spouses: Becky (Jeff), Tim (Yolanda), Tom (Jill), and Jane (Olly);

fifteen adored grandchildren:  Zachary, Joseph, Chloe, Steven (Kelly), Christopher, Matthew, Peter, Jacob, Lauren, Hannah, Nicholas, John, Sarah, Daniel, and Isobel;

his siblings and their spouses:  Margaret, Jerome (Kathleen), Sharon (Jim), and Joanne (spouse of predeceased brother Tim).

He is predeceased by his siblings and their spouses Mary (Fritz), Tim, and Tootie (Kenny).

‘The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man.’ – G.K. Chesterton