Duane Edward Kippes

Duane Edward Kippes, 78, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017 at home while in the presence of family. He was born October 13th, 1938 to Joseph and Pearl (Bitner) - Kippes in Rye Colorado. His Family moved to California for a short time then moved to Johnson, Kansas where he graduated in 1956. The family then moved to Wichita, Kansas where he went to WSU, and worked in the aircraft industry. He proudly served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. Duane married Berneda Zrubek, on February 13, 1984, and celebrated 33 years together. He worked at Raytheon Beech Craft for 38 years in process engineering and retired in 2001. He enjoyed family gatherings, reading, watching sports on T.V., going to the movies, car shows and eating out. Survivors; wife Berneda of the home, daughter, Alisha Lashbrook of Branson, Missouri; sister, Juanita Sosa of Inman, Kansas, step sons, Bruce Laffery of Clay Center, Kansas; Kevin (Melissa) Berry of Wichita Kansas; three nephews, Kerry and Walley Kippes along with Jon Sosa and a niece Teresa McGragor. Ten grandchildren, Dominik, Dayton, Destiny, Jett, Ian, Michael, Gabriel, Kaylie, Trey, Emma, and our very good friend Joyce Werth. Preceded in death by, parents, sister, Lucille Reidel, brother, Laverne Kippes and brother-in-law, John Sosa. Nephews, Michael Reidel, and Charles Mathew Kippes, and Niece Jeri Sosa. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church for the homeless charity, 230 E. Cloud, Salina, KS 67401.