Obituaries

Jack Cipperly

June 29, 1935 - October 08, 2024

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Obituary For Jack Cipperly

On a sunny day, June 29, 1935, Genevieve (Walsh) Cipperly, a second-generation Irish immigrant, was on her way from Madison to Fond du Lac to visit her estranged, second­ generation Norwegian immigrant husband, Otis Cipperly. This was when Jack (John William) made his surprise appearance. He was named by the priest who baptized his premature, little self. As soon as she was able, Genevieve returned to Madison, where Jack lived the rest of his life.

He attended Randall Kindergarten, Blessed Sacrament grade school and Edgewood High School with the Dominicans. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Jack returned to Madison and worked on construction at Icke Construction Company for six summers and two full years. With these savings and the GI bill, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelors, Master's and Ph.D. He served as an Assistant Dean in the College of Letters and Science, working with students and staff for thirty­ two years, which seemed a job made in heaven for him.

Jack married his bride of sixty-one years, Kay Marie (Japlon) Cipperly in Oak Park, Illinois. He is survived by Kay's beloved, abundant family and some very special friends: Jim, Peter, John, Alan, Otis, Joe, Reginald, Pat, Mark, Mary, Geoffrey, Steve and our "adopted family'' in Madison, Amit and Nati, Miguel and Veronica. A special good-bye to many dear friends who know who they are and to wonderful neighbors who enriched our time in the neighborhood.

Jack was a renowned story teller who always enjoyed a good laugh, especially on himself. He did not want a fuss, so there will be a small private service for family. His final wish was to be remembered with a smile.

Finally, a tip of the hat to the angels at Agrace who are incredibly deserving of the highest praise for their extraordinary commitment to people in need.

His great heart finally gave out on October 8, 2024, in the early hours.

To honor Jack you may want to say a prayer so he ends up in the right place, or have a happy thought of him, or make a contribution to your favorite charity. And may God bless us, one and all.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

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Condolences

  • October 16, 2024

    Kay My heart goes out to you. I'm sure Dolly greeted Jack as he continues his life journey. He will be remembered fondly.

  • October 16, 2024

    I personally do not know Jack but I am remembering the kindness he showed my mom, Joan Sansone, who worked with Jack in South Hall. My mom worked with Jack over 20 years ago. She would tell me of the kind way that Jack was. I appreciate how he treated her and I'm sure everyone he came in contact with. He was a wonderful man. Jack's family is in my thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Linda Odden

  • October 15, 2024

    Kay, I heard you today, uplifting our yoga teacher with your kind words. And this is after you have been dealing with your own very enormous issues. I'm glad you're continuing with the yoga and hope it brings you peace. Apparently both you and Jack could be the definition of kindness. Condolences to you and your family. Linda Smulka

  • October 15, 2024

    If Jack Cipperly didn't save my life, and he may have, he certainly changed it in ways for which I am forever grateful. As the Dean to whom I was assigned as part of my quest to be readmitted to the UW, Jack believed in me enough to give me another chance. And his wisdom in recommending I consider journalism as a degree put me on a path to what would become a career and a life more satisfying and rewarding than I then dreamt possible. I will never forget him. Neil Heinen

  • October 15, 2024

    Your influence is far reaching. You made a profound difference in my life and the lives of those people around you; touching hearts, and inspiring minds in ways you may not even have realized. Your kindness and compassion made a world of difference . Dean Cipperly, you will be sorely missed. Andrew Salter UW Madison Class of 1973 BS

  • October 15, 2024

    Always a gentleman...... Carol Coenen, OP (Classmate of Jack in Kindergarten, grade school and EHS senior year)

  • October 14, 2024

    We send our condolences to a great person and friend. My life was made better by having known Jack. Bill Finch

  • October 14, 2024

    I took care of Jack for a number of years at UW Health. Truly one of the kindest human beings I've ever met. I loved hearing his stories about his time at UW. When my daughter was applying to UW years ago, he offered to and met with her and gave her advice about college and UW. Always loved to see him at Blessed Sacrament. Eternal rest grant unto Jack O Lord....he will be in my prayers, and God bless and be with you Kay and family! -Tom Puchner

  • October 14, 2024

  • October 14, 2024

    Jack, for 25 years you and I fought the good fight at the "Big UW" on behalf of countless students, and in all that time I never knew you to seek anything but the best for each of them. It was a pleasure having a colleague and a friend like you. Thank you, Jack. Herb Evert

  • October 13, 2024

    Went to high school with Jack, he was always a good friend. Paul Esser

  • October 13, 2024

    50+ years ago, as an undergraduate at the UW. I stood at a crossroads and I was lost. I found my Spirit Guide in Dean Cipperly. He literally changed the course of my life with his counsel and kindness. Through the years, we connected a handful of times and they were always memorable--such a sweet guy who never stopped caring! My condolences to his entire family.

  • October 13, 2024

    Condolences from Dave Merrick and Lynn Jacobson. We couldn't have asked for a better neighbor!

  • October 13, 2024

    A good friend to talk clocks with.

  • October 13, 2024

    My condolences to the Cipperly family, and all those who loved and knew him. My name is Craig Hudson, and one of the reasons I was the university of Wisconsin was because of Jack Cipperly. He was a kind and a kind soul and worked hard to help those who are less fortunate. When I started working for the university of Wisconsin in the athletic department, I would go and meet with Jack and discuss student athletes that deserved a chance to come to the university of Wisconsin. He was always gracious and kind to those student athletes and try to find a way to say yes to them. If life is about helping those in need and loving your fellow man/woman, then Jack Exemplified just that. We will miss you Jack. God bless.

  • October 12, 2024

    A touching memorial /obituary for someone who had a heart that was equivalent to his tall physical presence. Jack was a terrific presence in my life over many, many decades. Much love and affection, Michael Kaplan UW class of 1970.

  • October 12, 2024

    Jack Cipperly has been the most wonderful teacher, mentor, role model and friend. Jack introduced so many students and staff to the wonderful University of Wisconsin- Madison and the City of Madison. Kay, thank you for sharing your wonderful.husband Jack. He will always be remembered as so special!

  • October 12, 2024

    In honor of Jack

  • October 12, 2024

    I remember Jack's kind and loving voice. He always had such a way of making. You feel OK. I do remember when we needed a favor or two he would say, "what's the use of knowing a Dean if he can't do anything for you?" I also remember him telling me what love felt like. He told me that it was when you felt comfortable in a room, with your loved one. No words needed to be spoken. Just a feeling of contentment. Jack will be remembered by our entire family. He did have such a big heart! Meg Ouellette Cates

  • October 11, 2024

    Condolences from Gordy Mueller and Bob Breen, Friends of Jack from Frankenberger dorm.

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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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