William Hippe
William Joseph Hippe, born on February 25, 1950, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on August 22, 2024, in St Louis, Missouri.
Bill is survived by the love of his life, Anne Holdefer, and her daughter, Elizabeth (Liz) Fuhro. Bill and Anne recently celebrated 31 happy years together. He is also survived by sisters, Phyllis Ward (Michael) and Barbara Desmond (Mark), and by brother, Thomas Hippe (Tara). He was preceded in death by his parents, Gillman and Patricia Hippe (Sextro); by his brother, Robert Hippe (Lise Hippe Wallisch); and by his sister, Mary Therese Stojeba (Roger). He was a cherished brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend.
Bill grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri and attended St. Peter’s Catholic school. He graduated from Vianney High School and began his college education at St. Benedict’s College. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture.
As an architect, Bill helped design the curtain walls for a prominent building on the Houston, Texas skyline. Now known as the TC Energy Center – the distinctive 780 feet tall building has had numerous names since 1983. It is known by his family as “Uncle Bill’s Building”. Surprising his family, Bill was also a talented and prolific poet.
Bill thrived while living in the Dogtown neighborhood of St. Louis for twenty-four years.
Bill enjoyed canoeing, boating and camping. He spent summers during college working as a tow boat deckhand on the Mississippi and truly loved that experience. He loved traveling in the United States and Europe.
Bill served the community, volunteering at several homes and shelters in service to the homeless and working at the Places for People shelter for the mentally ill.
Bill bravely battled both mental illness and Parkinsons most of his life. We, his family, are very proud of him.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 9740 Sappington Road 63128 on August 31, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation in the church will be at 9:30 a.m.
Interment at Resurrection Cemetery will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:
St. Vincent de Paul Lunch Window Mail to Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, 1408 S. 10th St., Saint Louis, MO 63104, with a note “For Lunch Window – In Memory of William Hippe.”
Places for People (Call 314-535-5600 for donating instructions)
Bill was such a wonderful person. I visited he and Anne frequently over the past several years! I always enjoyed walking in to his smiling face and of course loved his humor. 😉 i enjoyed reading his poetry which I thought was just outstanding.m Heaven has certainly gained an amazing man! God rest his soul!!
I was so blessed to be asked to visit with Bill, while at Delmar. Whenever I walked in, he would always say, “you’re good news.” He would ask me to “play Elvis,” and I would show him the Jailhouse Rock video, on YouTube. I could see his feet (barely) tapping, but they were! He would also say, “where’s the dog?” if I ever left my dog at home, instead of bringing him to the visit. He was kind to me and I know he appreciated my visits, AND the shakes! I will miss him in my life.