He was born August 25, 1911 in Green Bay and grew up in Abrams. He attended Green Bay schools, graduating from West High School with the class of 1928. On July 2, 1938 he married Margaret Betts. The couple has lived all of their married life in Abrams where "Tip" owned and operated Abrams Feed and Grain Co. for 64 years. He was an avid gardener who had his own greenhouse and always liked working in his yard to make it look special. He was a member of the former St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Oconto and at one time was active in the Masons and Shrine. "Tip" also served on the Abrams and Oconto Falls school boards and was instrumental in the building of the first school in Abrams on the current site. As a person who liked being outside, he enjoyed a good game of golf.
Survivors are his wife, Margaret; one daughter and son-in-law. Sue and Jerry Johnson, Libertyville, IL; two grandsons, Scott (Kellie) Bast, Chesterfield, MO; Chad Bast, Elgin, IL; a sister-in-law, Roberta Betts, Green Bay; four nephews, Dennis, David, Bruce and Stuart Betts; one niece, Jane Broderick.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Helen Betts, and brother-in-law, Perry Betts.
Friends called at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls after 10 a.m. Monday until the time of services. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Fr. Ken Okkerse officiating, Burial in Brookside Cemetery, Town of Pensaukee.