Ethel Theresa Kippley, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 28, 2024, at Maplewood Sauk Prairie. Born on September 29, 1934, in Sauk City, she was the eldest daughter of the late Germain and Gertrude (Weynand) Breunig and was blessed with seven brothers and sisters.

Ethel attended St. Norbert Catholic School and graduated from Sauk City High School in 1952. After graduation, she began her career at National Guardian Life before marrying the love of her life, Ralph Kippley, on April 16, 1953. Together, they built a beautiful family and life rooted in love, faith, and hard work.

As a dedicated mother and housewife, Ethel's devotion to her Catholic faith was unwavering. She spent countless hours volunteering with the Madison Deanery and the Diocese of Madison. She was also an active member of the National Council of Catholic Women, further extending her commitment to her faith and community. For over 50 years, she guided the spiritual lives of the local youth as a religious education teacher, preparing many young men and women for the sacrament of confirmation. Her deep faith and dedication were a testament to her character.

Ethel found great joy in watching her children and grandchildren participate in their sports, rarely missing a game, rain or shine. She was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Brett Favre, and NASCAR, always supporting her eldest son's passion and career. Her love for her Roxbury community was evident through her involvement in the women's card club and her role in hosting large family chicken barbecues and classic Christmas traveling euchre card parties.

Though she never learned to swim, Ethel spent years enjoying boating at Lake Wisconsin with her family, packing food and cleaning up after long, sunny days. She was proud of the garden she and Ralph tended each year, providing for her family and often donating to the community. Ethel was a master canner, legendary for her homemade jam and "grandma's pickles."

Ethel's work ethic was second only to her faith in God and her love for her family. She worked tirelessly on the farm, tended to the chickens, and kept eight children in line. At her core, she was a caregiver and "mom" to all—her younger siblings, her own children, and the "ultimate babysitter" to her 19 grandchildren. Whether playing trains and cars, pitching a ball, or shooting nerf basketball in the living room, Ethel was always there, creating memories with her loved ones.

Ethel's strength shone through during difficult times, as she was a patient presence during many hospital stays for her children.  She never left their side, always with a rosary in hand, praying through every moment.

Ethel is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Ralph, and their children: Rick (Barb) Kippley, Sharon (Tom) Carleton, Dan (Jeni) Kippley, Tom (Carolyn) Kippley, Jeanne (Brian) Glynn, Sue (Lavern) Ziegler, and Tim Kippley, along with 19 wonderful grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.  Ethel is also survived by her siblings Donna Ferguson, David (LaLonnie) Breunig, Dennis (Jean) Breunig, and in-laws Patricia Breunig, Jeannette Breunig, Linda Breunig, and Clara Jane Ziegler.

She was preceded in death by her son David Kippley; her parents, Germain and Gertrude Breunig; her brothers Bernard, Louis, Theodore (Mary), and George Breunig; and brother-in-law Ron Ferguson.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 6th, at St. Norbert's Catholic Church in Roxbury, where Ethel's life will be celebrated by all who were blessed to know her. The rosary will be said 15 minutes before the Mass and burial will take place at the church cemetery following the service. Ethel will be remembered as the loving matriarch of her family, a woman of unwavering faith, and a true caregiver who touched the lives of so many.