In Memory of Herbert H. Kipka, Jr.

Herbert Henry Kipka, Jr., age 78 of St. Francis, died July 16, 2024 at Benedictine Living Community in Anoka.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, July 25th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 19921 Nightingale St NW, Oak Grove, MN. A Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Wednesday, July 24th at Strike Life Tributes in ISANTI and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at 2 PM, Thursday, July 25th at MN State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Herbert Henry Kipka, Jr. was born October 23, 1945 in St. Cloud, MN to Herbert and Adeline (Malikowski) Kipka. He was raised in Foley and graduated from Foley High School, Class of 1963. From 1965 – 1967, Herb served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany.

On August 29, 1970 Herb married Karen Guggenberger at St. John Catholic Church in Foley. They made their home in Elk River for 23 years before moving to St. Francis where they lived for over 20 years. He was a welder at Cornelius Company in Anoka for over 30 years. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Oak Grove. Herb loved his family and his grandchildren were a large part of his life. He also enjoyed traveling, bingo, cribbage, and casinos. Herb loved laughing and a good story.

Herb died July 16, 2024 at Benedictine Living Community in Anoka at the age of 78 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; parents; sister, Rose Anne and brothers, Ronald and Donald.

Herb is survived by his 3 children, Shawn (Jennifer) Kipka of St. Francis, Michelle (Adam) Lutzke of Rogers, Sherry (Bill) Illies of Albertville; girlfriend, Sharon Niles of Ramsey; 8 grandchildren, Kori, Avery, Brooklyn, Holly, Lexi, Peter, Carter, Kyla; 1 great-granddaughter, Aubree; 4 siblings, Darrell ‘Butch’ (Sharon), Judith (John) Jurek, Diane Carlson, Lorree (Jay) Josephs, Karen (Joe) Thull and by many other relatives and friends.