Harold William Whipple

May 04, 1942 — May 26, 2024

Harold Whipple

Service Details

Harold William Whipple – beloved husband, father and grandfather – was born in the Agency, IA area on May 4, 1942. He passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024.

Harold leaves behind his wife, Kathryn (Kay) Whipple; son, Marty Whipple; daughters, Brenda (Mike) Youngberg and Wendy (Todd) Rettenmeier; grandson, Will Rettenmeier; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Whipple and Norma Whipple; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Addie Whipple; brothers, Richard (Maxine) Whipple, Carl Whipple, Paul Whipple and Charles Whipple; sisters, Marriam (Sam) and Ruth (Mel).

Harold was the youngest of seven children and grew up on a farm near Agency where he raised livestock and grew corn and was active in 4H, FFA and his church. He developed a life-long passion for woodworking. After graduating from high school in Hedrick, Harold attended Iowa State University, majoring in Agribusiness. Harold met Kay Arnquist on a blind date while at Iowa State and the two were married August 31st, 1963.

Harold called many places home after college, but spent significant time in Ainsworth, NE, Centerville, IA and Lacona, IA. Harold worked as a cattle buyer and as a loan officer in various credit associations and banks. He retired as bank President at Hawkeye State Bank in Centerville, IA in 1997.

Harold spent his ‘retirement years’ building; he joyfully built businesses, experiences and relationships.

Together with Kay, he started Elegant Edges, a fine art frame shop – out of their home – in Centerville. The business showcased Harold’s woodworking skills in the custom frames he designed. Harold and Kay became fast friends with several local and regional artists. Some of their friends’ original works of art were prized displays in their home.

Never ones to sit idly by, Elegant Edges was sold and the Picture Perfect fishing trawler was purchased with a vision of boating on the Great Lakes. Even though Harold and Kay had never owned a boat, they headed to Lake Michigan for the summer. In no time they became champion anglers, winning several fishing tournaments and hosting many friends and relatives for a day on the lake.

Harold’s final ‘retirement’ project was the Bluebird Family Farm, a 70-acre piece of land just north of Lacona, IA. The couple restored the land to native prairie grasses, built a home, woodworking shop and massive garden. Harold crafted all the woodwork for the house; flooring, cabinetry, crown molding – everything. He also began crafting wooden dinosaurs that were provided to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines as gifts to several children receiving treatment.

While at the farm, Harold fulfilled his most dear role, Papa to his only grandson, Will. His greatest love was sharing time with him. He loved having Will come to the farm to help put up Bluebird houses, create special “Christmas trees” for the deer, shoot trap and generally just hang out with him. Every visit was special. Harold taught Will the basics of woodworking as they both ‘went to work’ in the shop. Will learned to hunt and fish at the farm and Harold and Kay took him exploring all around the country. Harold passed his love for the outdoors on to Will.

In 2015, Harold and Kay made the difficult decision to sell the Bluebird Family Farm and move to a retirement community in Indianola, IA. Harold and Kay both became integral participants in the Independent Living groups, hosting impromptu gatherings and Dino Races, using Dinosaurs crafted by Harold, and enjoying a box of wine sitting with friends on their porch.

Harold never knew a stranger. All were welcome and before they knew it, were probably wrangled into volunteer work or activity in the community. Many experienced his generosity and caring approach and have acknowledged they are better for it.

Harold and the love of his life, Kay, were both diagnosed with Dementia, on the same day at the same appointment. They entered the most difficult time of their beautiful journey together side-by-side and arm-in-arm, just like they lived their lives. The family of Harold and Kay worked to support them with honor, dignity, respect and love during this difficult time. In fact, these factors became guardrails for making heart-breaking, difficult decisions and for taking action.

After battling valiantly together, Harold’s journey came to an end, yet Kay’s difficult time continues. A celebration is planned, however, Harold’s and Kay’s family will honor their wonderful life and commitment to each other the same way Harold and Kay lived since 1963 – together. It will be a Celebration of Lives.

Most likely with wine and ice cream.

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