Obituary of William L. Sipple

William L. "Bill" Sipple, Jr., 84, of State College, died Monday, October 9, 2017, at Foxdale Village. Born January 22, 1933, in Windber, he was the son of the late William L. Sipple, Sr. and the late Alice Pease. On June 22, 1963, he married Joyce Gilbert, who survives. Also surviving are four nieces and one nephew. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Scott William Sipple, on April 6, 2017 and three sisters. Bill was a 1950 graduate of Huntingdon Area High School and a 1954 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Animal Husbandry. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1954 until 1957. Upon discharge, Bill returned to manage Dr. William Hennings' farm while pursuing his Master of Animal Industries Degree at Penn State University in 1964. Bill worked for the Eastern States Agway farm stores from 1963 until 1966 when he took a job as an Agricultural Conference Coordinator. He worked for 25 years at Penn State, retiring in 1991, as Manager of Agriculture Short Courses and Conferences. Bill was a loving husband and father. His kind, thoughtful, quiet demeanor encouraged others to share in his love of the outdoors. This is reflected in his multiple involvements. He was a life member of the NRA, past president of the PA. Rifle/Pistol Association, Hunter Education instructor, NRA certified firearms instructor, faculty advisor to the PSU Riflery Club and helped coordinate the 4-H Riflery Program. Bill was a member of the PSU Alumni Association, The Ruffed Grouse Society, the Outdoor Sportsman Club, Greenwoods Hunting Camp, the State College Rotary Club, Grace Lutheran Church, Centre Hills Country Club and served as a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross. He coached and served as Treasurer of the State College Teener League in the '70s and '80s. Bill was an avid upland bird hunter, deer hunter and competitive shooter. He loved to garden and raise and train hunting dogs. Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m., on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m., on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the funeral home, with the Reverend P. Stevens Lynn officiating. Joyce would like to give special thanks to the care given at the Fairways, Foxdale Village and Grane Hospice for their help and support over the course of Bill's illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St, State College, PA, 16801 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.