Dennis Victor Chipman, 75, of McCook, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
Dennis was born February 28, 1947, in Seward, NE, son of Dr. Dallas Chipman, DVM, and Muriel (Roper) Richeson. He attended Seward High School, graduating with the Class of 1965, where he maintained many lifetime friendships. He then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln majoring in education, graduating in 1969. Also in 1969, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was eventually stationed at the Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy. While stationed in Italy, Dennis was a member of the installation’s football team representing the Navy and competing against other military services throughout western Europe. Another highlight of Dennis’ time in the Navy was his month-long travels across Europe with his mother while on leave.
After returning from the Navy, Dennis married Susan Bartlett in Lincoln on April 7, 1973. Shortly before his marriage to Susan, Dennis began his teaching career in Lewellen where he taught science and coached. Dennis’s career in education spanned several moves including teaching science at Wakefield, NE beginning in 1975 before becoming a principal in Milligan, NE in 1977 and then in Bruning, NE from 1978 to 1981. In 1981, the family moved to Sterling, NE where Dennis was the superintendent of schools. In 1991, the family moved to Curtis, NE where Dennis was the superintendent for Medicine Valley Public School for 13 years. Dennis then finished his career as the superintendent for Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Public Schools from 2005 until he retired in 2008. During his career in education, Dennis earned a master’s degree from Kearney State College and his educational specialist degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In his 35 years in education, Dennis truly enjoyed small town living and getting to know so many school families.
Dennis and Susan have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Dennis enjoyed traveling, gardening, watching Husker football, barbequing, and golfing. Most of all, Dennis loved spending time with his family, particularly his grandkids, who were his pride and joy.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Chipman; daughter, Sarah (Paul) Hoyt of Culbertson, NE; sons, David (Mindy) of Union, NE and Michael (Amanda) of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Beth Hoyt, Erica Hoyt, Grace Hoyt, Samuel Hoyt, Heaven Rush, Braeden Chipman, Cassidy Chipman, Rush Chipman and Ada Chipman; sister, Judith Chipman of Cortez, CO; brothers, Gary (Mary Rose) Chipman of Pueblo, CO and Lawrence (Lori) Chipman of North Richland Hills, TX; and many other friends and family.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.
Dennis chose cremation. Visitation will be Friday, March 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Memorial services will be at Peace Lutheran Church, McCook, NE, on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Lonnie Felcher officiating and military honors. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Harnly, Don Endicott, Lloyd Bartels, Dave Jibben, Jerry Beach, and Darrell Eckhardt.
Memorials may be directed to the Peace Lutheran Church auto shop ministry, or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.