Wayne A. Nipple, age 98, Albany, WI, one of the last WWII veterans in the area, passed away in his sleep on June 18, 2024.
Wayne was born March 10, 1926 and spent most of his youth around the Brodhead-Albany area. At 17, he joined the Army and spent 2 years (1944-1946) defending his country in Europe. Upon returning home from overseas, he worked various jobs before going to work at Teales Auto Service in Albany WI.
Wayne married Nora Belle Rose Hawkins on August 13, 1949. Together they had two children, Larry and Jocelyn.
In 1958, Wayne went to work for the United States Post Office, where he was a rural delivery postman. Many of Wayne’s Postal Patrons claimed to “set their clocks” on his arrival at their residence. In 1969, Wayne was involved in a very serious auto collision while on the mail route. It was here that Wayne became aware of a “higher power” saying he knew what the afterlife would bring.
Wayne liked working with his hands and mind on many different projects. With the help of Wendell Brunkow, he became a private pilot and purchased several small airplanes.
When his son Larry started racing cars, he became chief mechanic and the biggest supporter. Wayne was also a member of the Albany Volunteer Fire Dept. for many years, and a member of the Mcdermott Steindorf Post 144 American Legion for 74 years.
After retiring from the Postal Service, he and Nora started renovating houses and apartments. He built the first Self Storage Facility in the area. He was also a world traveler to Europe, Asia, Scandinavia and more. They were also snow birds, spending 6 months in Wisconsin and 6 months in the Avon Park Fl. Area. Wayne and Larry also got to participate in the Badger Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
Wayne is survived by his wife of almost 74 years, Nora Belle, his children Larry (Norma), Albany, Jocelyn Webb, Dallas Ga., brothers Willis (Catherine) Nipple, Albany, Warren (Penny) Nipple, Douglasville, Ga., and Garey (Connie) Niles, Janesville, Wi. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Treena (Mike) Wade, Terrance Webb, both of Ga., Rebecca (James) Briggs, Albany, and Sara (Don) Day, Brodhead, Wi. He is also survived by ten great grandchildren, Clarissa, Charisma, Cailey Webb and Alexis Wade, all of Ga., Avary, Emerson, Diem Briggs of Albany, Wi., and Hunter, Dakota, Owen Day of Brodhead, Wi., and the newest great great granddaughter Kehlani Webb of Dallas, Ga. and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents William and Mable Vigdahl Nipple, two sisters Lorraine Nelson and Audrey Nipple as a toddler, brother Walt, two son-in-laws James Webb and Steve Flemming and a granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Webb.
Services for Wayne A. Nipple will be held at a future date.
Clark Funeral Home, Hiram Ga. is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Wayne Arthur Nipple.
