Ward A. Nippert

Ward Nippert, 74, of McPherson, Kansas passed away on Oct 1, 2024. Ward was the youngest of Ellsworth and Katherine’s 3 children raised on a family farm near Bruning, Nebraska. His childhood was spent helping his parents with farm chores along with hijinks and adventure with his siblings and a host of cousins that lived nearby. After High School, Ward attended McPherson College on a music scholarship. At Mac College, he met Pat Stauffer and married during their senior year. Ward would say that the most remarkable thing about him was that he was married to Pat for almost 52 years. 

After college, Ward and Pat pursued careers in education with jobs in Morrowville and Valley Heights. Ward taught industrial arts (aka, Shop) to students eager to lose a finger on word-working saws, and he risked his life teaching Driver’s education to enthusiastic young drivers. Ward moved from classroom education to educational support following a move to McPherson in 1983. Ward was hired as a carpenter for the USD 418, eventually becoming the Director of Buildings and Grounds. During this time, he formed lasting friendships within the central office and helped the district grow. For the final phase of his career, Ward led workforce development for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas, facilitating construction-science trainings around the state. Ward found it difficult to rest. He was active in the Kiwanis Club, and an active board member, small group leader, and parishioner in both the McPherson Free Methodist Church and the First Christian Church. When Ward retired, he was a full-time volunteer at the ReUse-it Center. Working (unpaid) at ReUse-it may have been his favorite career. 

Ward was the loving father to Jesse and Heather. He was an encouraging supporter of his children throughout his life. While born a Cornhusker, he happily traded-up for a purple wardrobe when his children attended K-State. Later in life, Ward enjoyed spending time with all 6 grandchildren. He sat through countless sporting events, recitals, performances and activities. Regardless of his actual interest in these thrilling events, he made each grandchild feel special, loved and valued. Time with Grandpa included ice cream on just about every occasion. Finally, Ward loved his dogs, providing treats, walks and couch time for Pal, Bridgit, Tabby, Lady, Tippa, Midge, and Thor over his life. 

He was a skilled woodworker and carpenter, having designed and built the family’s home on Penn Drive. Ward was the perfect friend to ask for help when others had building projects because he eagerly assisted. After his family, Ward’s next love was their rustic cabin in Nederland, CO. Ward used the cabin as an excuse for never-ending remodeling and construction projects. Like his mother and siblings, Ward loved music. His baritone voice blessed many church choirs and barbershop quartets – singing with the Light Capital Singers for many years. Ward loved riding Cushman scooters and was involved in a scooter club (yes, that is a real thing). Finally, he loved watching sports. Most recently, he became quite the fan of the WNBA. 

Ward and Pat were tent campers in their early life, traveling across the Midwest and Mountain west. When sleeping on the ground lost its appeal, they joined the Good Sam RV and Camping Club and tooled around America in an RV. Ward’s RV friends were a priority and a source of joy in his life. Ward and Pat went on countless trips (domestic and foreign) with Village Travel and Tours of Wichita. Ward may be the most travelled Nebraskan, having visited Scandinavia, southern Africa, UK, central Europe, Canada, and Australasia. 

Ward will be best-remembered for being a great friend to many. A natural extrovert, Ward had a way of entering into conversation with anyone. Ward was a great listener, he remembered details, and he used conversation to make the people in his life feel valued and special. Even in this last chapter of his life, he greatly enjoyed phone calls, regular ZOOM meetings, and lunches with so many people who loved and cared for him. Many people will miss these special conversations.

Survivors include: son, Jesse (Anna) Nippert of St. George, KS; daughter, Heather (Daniel) Dannahower of Fort Collins, CO; six grandchildren, Kalea Nippert, Miah Dannahower, Kyra Nippert, William Dannahower, Lucia Nippert, and Livia Nippert; sister, Gail (Ron) Ward of Fairbury, NE; sister-in-law, Patti Nippert of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law, James Stauffer of Elkhorn, NE; and loving dog, Thor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, Larry Nippert.

A time of remembrance (come & go) will take place from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, with a time of sharing occurring at 5:00 PM, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the ReUse It Center, McPherson. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 14, at the First Christian Church, McPherson, with Pastor Lynn Scott officiating. To view a live-stream broadcast of the service, PLEASE CLICK HERE

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge or the ReUse It Center in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.