John (Jay) Lipse

Wasilla resident John (Jay) Lipse, 85, died on April 7, 2014, at Northern Comfort Assisted Living Home in Palmer.

A Mass is at 11 a.m., April 15 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla with Father Scott Garrett to officiate.

Jay was born on March 29, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana to John Joseph Lipse, Sr. and Frances Lacoste Lipse. He was an only child.

He graduated from Eastern High School in New Orleans and attended Loyola University and Delgado Community College.

He served as quartermaster third class, U.S. Navy with the Flag administration Unit United States Atlantic Fleet.

On June 25, 1955, Jay married Janice (Jan) LeBlanc Lipse.

Jays passion for Alaska started in the late 1960s. While working as a draftsman for McDermott Intl. of New Orleans, his family was briefly relocated to Alaska where they met some great friends and had great adventures.

Upon returning to Louisiana, Jay continued with his career at McDermott by working both close to his home and as far away as Africa and Dubai.

Jay was a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout with three Palms and a sea scout. He earned many badges and merits and was active with the scouts throughout his children’s scouting years.

Jay belonged to the Knights of Columbus 4^th degree in Chalmette, Louisiana and Wasilla, Alaska. His awards include Knight of the month and knight of the year.

Among Jay’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, collecting coins, collecting Alaska geographic and Alaska magazines.

For 20 years Jay loved showing his champion Irish setters.

Jay proudly passed his love for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren.

Jay was a great man. A loving, loyal, husband, father and grandfather. His knowledge and kind heart were inspiring to many.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janice (Jan) LeBlanc Lipse of Wasilla; son and grandson Eric J. Lipse Sr. and Eric (Ej) Lipse Jr. of New Orleans, LA; Son and Daughter-in-law Keith and Linda Lipse of Big Lake; Granddaughter Carmen Belleau Moore and her husband Robert Moore of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Dana Lipse of Big Lake; grandson Chad Lipse and his wife Meghann Lipse of Wasilla and grandson Cody Lipse of Big Lake.

Lipse is preceded in death by his 3-year-old daughter Naomi and his parents John Sr. and Frances.

The family would like to thank all who cared for and loved Jay throughout his 85 years. Special thanks to the staff of Northern Comfort Assisted Living where Jay resided for the past 3 ½ years.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to your local Alzheimer’s Association.