John Eugene Wipson

John Eugene Wipson, 94, of Duluth passed away in Open Arms Senior Living on Sunday, March 31, 2024. John was born on October 1, 1929 to Albert and Evelyn Wipson. He graduated from Duluth Denfeld in 1947 and from UMD in 1951. He married the love of his life, Beverly Biron on June 21, 1952.

John liked to work using his hands. He was a skilled bricklayer and construction worker. He began working for J.D. Harold Construction Company shortly after graduating from college and then joined his Uncle Walter's construction company, Wipson Inc. He built a wonderful home for his wife and family which he lived in for 66 years. Later on, John began building truck toppers and small campers when he bought P & C Manufacturing Company. He was an Army National Guard Veteran, retiring as a Major after 40 years of service. John loved the water. For a time he sailed on a crew at the Wednesday Night Sailboat races in Lake Superior. He also built a sailboat, a wooden boat and two canoes. He was a gifted artist. Working with oil paints he particularly liked to paint outdoor scenes that usually included water. He was a member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church and served on the Board of Trustees. He was a gun smith, enjoyed trap shooting and was an avid hunter. He especially enjoyed deer hunting with his dad, uncle, brother-in-law, son, and grandson at the deer shack. He loved spending time in the woods.

John is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers, Warren and Charles. He is survived by his children, Biron (Patti) Wipson and Christine (Thomas) McCabe; grandchildren Michael (Hannah) McCabe, Brian (Anna) McCabe, Andrew (Allie Youngberg) McCabe, Max (Meig Dickson) Wipson and Amity (Doug) Borden; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law George Biron.

A special note of thanks goes to the caregivers at The Fountains at Ecumen, Open Arms and St. Lukes Hospice. Visitation 10am on Saturday, April 6, 2024 with a Memorial Service beginning at 11am at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave. Memorials to VFW Post 1221, Second Harvest Northland Food Bank or Glen Avon Church are preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.