Ippel, Henry P. (1919-2015) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Henry Ippel was born in Sheboygan, WI on November 16, 1919. Ippel first attended Mission House (Lakeland) College and the University of Wisconsin as an undergraduate, but in 1941, he transferred his credits to Calvin College. Drafted in World War II, Ippel served the Army Air Corps assigned to the Signal Corps. Right before his service, Ippel married his high school sweetheart, Marian Ribbens. Once he returned from serving overseas, Ippel continued his education at Calvin, graduating in 1947 with a B.A. He went on to the University of Michigan where he earned his M.A. in History in 1950.

In 1951, Ippel returned to Calvin College, not as a student but rather as a member of the faculty. He taught History and Political Science. Ippel received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1957. Ippel continued to teach at Calvin College for over a span of thirty years. During his tenure, Ippel chaired the History department for over 10 years. He also sat on college committees ranging from the Athletic Committee to the Education Policy Committee. He served the denomination by assisted the Historical Committee of the CRC and Christian Schools International. Ippel also extended himself to serving the community. He work with organizations like Upward Bound, the Y.M.C.A., and the Peace Corps.

Ippel retired from Calvin College in 1984, however remained busy as the Field Agent for the Historical Committee of the CRC. He also devoted his time to the Rehoboth Christian School Community, working to preserve the history of the mission school. Henry Ippel passed away on April 27, 2015. Marian preceded him in death. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren survived him.