ELKHART — Robert E. Whipple, 78, of Elkhart, passed away Friday afternoon, Oct. 24, at Elkhart General Hospital, following an extended illness.

Robert was born Aug. 6, 1936, in Detroit, to the late Ivan and Thelma (Westphal) Whipple.

Robert was preceeded in death by his brothers, Ronald Whipple and Gary Hopkins; and a sister, Sandra Condon.

Robert married his high school sweetheart, his wife of 59 years, Nancy Szymanski, on June 25, 1955, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in South Bend. She survives.

Other survivors include their five children, Bruce (Tamela) Whipple of Elkhart, Brenda (Paul D.) Lockwood of New Paris, Julie Miller of Mishawaka, Robin Jewell of Middlebury and Rick Whipple of Union, Mich.; six grandchildren, Nicole Morris, Stephanie Burks, Jason McHenry, Ashley and Haley Lockwood and Jaidyn Whipple; four great-grandchildren, Brendan McDougal, Blake McHenry, Dylan Patton and Ella Morris; brother Jack Whipple of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother-in-law Jerry Szymanski; and nephew David Szymanski.

Robert graduated from Greene Township High School in North Liberty in 1954. He then joined the U.S. Marine Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1962. Robert was a salesman in the RV business for many years. He owned 3-Points Deli in Elkhart before retiring in 1998.

Robert enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, golfing and hunting for mushrooms. He was an avid NASCAR fan, with Jeff Gordon as his favorite driver. One of his favorite things to do was playing Santa for family, friends and area businesses for many years.

In accordance with Robert's wishes, cremation has taken place, with burial at a later date. A gathering of family and friends will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Friends may also call for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 24832 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg, MI 49112. Reverend Joe McCormick will officiate.

The family kindly requests memorials be given to Our Lady of the Lake capitol campaign or Center for Hospice Care, 22579 Old U.S. 20, Elkhart, IN 46516. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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