Howard Lippert

Howard H. Lippert, 97, of Belleville, Ill., passed away peacefully Sunday, February 7, 2016, at St. Paul’s Senior Community, Belleville, Ill., surrounded by his loving family.

Howard was born February 12, 1918, in Belleville. Except for his military service, he was a life-long resident of Belleville. He attended Douglas Grade School and Belleville Township High School. While in high school, he played in the band and orchestra, as well as on the basketball team.

In 1936, Howard became an employee of Liese Lumber Company of Belleville. In 1971, he became President of Liese and continued to serve in that capacity until his passing. Throughout his nearly 80-year career of “going to the office”, Howard was passionate about addressing his customers’ needs no matter how big or small.

Mr. Lippert was a World War II veteran who served with the 5th Engineer Special Brigade during the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. For his unit’s service and heroism in the invasion, they were awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf citation by the French Government issued by General Charles de Gaulle. While in France, he received a commission as a second Lieutenant in the Army. Following the invasion, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal citation while performing duty as a Reconnaissance Officer against the enemy in Germany.

Mr. Lippert served as a Director on the First National Bank of Belleville Board, which later became Magna Bank Group, and as Vice-President of Building Products in Belleville.  He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a life member of the Belleville Elks, Lodge BPOE 481, a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1221 of Belleville/Swansea, and a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Adele, nee Hock, Lippert; a brother, Floyd Lippert; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clarence and Ruth Gruenewald; and brother-in-law, William Reed.

Surviving are his wife of 74 years, the love of his life, Harriet M., nee Wiechert, Lippert, whom he married on March 12, 1941, at First Presbyterian Church in Belleville; a son, Tom (Kay) Lippert of Swansea, IL; a daughter, Ann (Neal) Holliday of Swansea, IL; five grandchildren, Michael (Cathy) Lippert, Greg (Amy) Lippert, Jeff (Katie) Holliday, Ryne (Jennifer) Holliday, and Chris (Jessica) Holliday; 11 great-grandchildren, Brett, Nicholas, Katherine, and Grace Lippert, Claire Zimmerman, Vince, CeCe, Henry, Valor, Willa-Rose, and Harley Holliday; and his sisters in-law, Phyllis Lippert of Swansea, IL, and Wilma Reed of Carbondale, IL.

The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding service the Home Instead staff provided to Howard. They are particularly appreciative of the amazing care and compassion provided by Aimee O’Leary. In addition, the family was extremely grateful for the extraordinary love, support, and care demonstrated by the entire St. Paul’s Senior Community “One South” Staff.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, to St. Paul’s Senior Community, or to the donor’s charity of choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com .

Visitation: Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill., and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2016, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, Ill.

Funeral: A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, Ill., with Pastor Drew Kramer officiating. A private entombment will take place at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Ill.

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