Floyd Whipple

ROCHESTER, MINN: Floyd Forest Quincy Whipple, a Rochester area home builder, businessman, farmer and avid outdoorsman, died Thursday, October 6, 2011, after a lengthy illness. He was 85 years old. He passed peacefully with family by his side at Stewartville Care Center in Stewartville, MN. Mr. Whipple was born January 1, 1926 to Mary (Parkinson) and Wallace Whipple. He was raised in rural Mazeppa Township, Wabasha County, with a large family and came from humble beginnings. From a young age, Mr. Whipple and his brothers developed a love for the outdoors. Mr. Whipple pursued and shared his passion for the outdoors throughout his life with those closest to him. During World War II, Mr. Whipple answered his country's call to arms and volunteered to serve in the United States Army. After completing training, but before heading off to war, Mr. Whipple married the love of his life, Florene Laura Nash on October 10, 1945, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wykoff, MN. Shortly after the wedding, Mr. Whipple served in the occupation of Japan after the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After returning from World War II, Mr. Whipple began a successful career in the construction industry, eventually starting his own general contracting firm, Floyd F. Whipple Construction. Mr. Whipple was an ardent supporter and member of the National Association of Home Builders and past President of the Rochester Area Home Builders. Mr. Whipple was also active in several other civic groups including American Legion Post 446 in Rochester, the Rochester VFW, the 40/8, the Rochester Lions, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester. Mr. Whipple is survived by his wife of 66 years, Florene; daughter, Suzanne K. (Richard) Irvin of Rochester; daughter, Nancy J. (Roy) Kruger of Byron; son, Ronald E. (Diane) Whipple of Dexter; son, Kevin J. (Lonnie) Whipple of Rochester; and daughter, Patricia A. (Bobby) Viker of Rochester; 2 brothers, Lecil of rural Zumbro Falls and Allen of rural Rochester; sister, Lela Rietmann of Rochester; in addition to 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard A., five brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be held 2:00-5:00pm Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Monday, October 10, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church 222 6th Ave. SW, Rochester with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. The Rev. Joel Haack will be officiating with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com