Donald Gene Lipke 92 of Hobart, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024. He was born September 22, 1931 in Hessville, Indiana to Russell and LaMae (Blackman) Lipke. On June 14, 1952, he married Jean Marie Kraft who passed away October 1, 2014. Don is survived by his sons Martin R. (Cynde) Lipke of Greenville, Indiana and Carey W. (Lisa) Lipke of Hobart, his daughter Carol A. (James) Needham of Hobart; eight grandchildren Samuel (Michelle), Jeffrey (Andrea), Keith, Adam, Aaron (Danielle), Melissa, Emily, and Vinessa. Six great grandchildren Goldie, Rex, July, Luca, Leo Samardzija and Spencer Lipke; his brothers DeForest and Dennis Lipke and his sister Donna Campbell also survive him. In addition to his wife Jean, Don was preceded in death by his daughter Debbie Samardzija. Don was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Korean Conflict. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #94 in Valparaiso and graduated from Merrillville High School in 1951.
Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Thursday, April 18th at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 Monroe St. in Valparaiso. Funeral services with his family will be private. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.
