Albert Lipp

Albert ‘Al’ Lipp of Greybull passed away at Three Rivers Hospital after a short illness on Thursday, January 30th, 2025. Albert was born on February 1, 1934, in Mobridge, South Dakota, the son of Mike and Maggie (Bosch) Lipp. He was the fourth of thirteen children, and he was raised on the family farm near Wakpala, SD. From an early age, Al was taught to have a determined work ethic, and he became enthusiastic about farming. Sandwiched in birth order as he was, he would reminisce about his wild childhood, doing his best to live up to the expectations of older siblings and trying to impress the younger siblings. He enjoyed doing hard things, and while growing up he enjoyed participating in rodeo by riding broncs with his brothers. After leaving the family farm, Al was called to serve in the US Army and received an honorable discharge. On November 27, 1957, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Schmaltz, and that union lasted until Betty’s death in 2013. Al and Betty were blessed to raise four children. 

 After serving in the armed forces, Al went to work for Haider Construction who did contract work for Mountain Bell and later Tri-County Telephone Association now known as TCT. He climbed many telephone poles in Wyoming and parts of Montana to provide phone service to many people. Later, he had the opportunity to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad with the Section Crew where his duties included maintaining the tracks and acting as foreman for crews throughout his career. After retiring in 1991, he enjoyed his passion for farming, growing hay, feeding cattle, and maintaining his used equipment. The family continues to be in awe of how Al could tinker with and fix almost anything. 

 Al was happiest when his grand and great-grandchildren could come to visit. He loved family gatherings and kept up Betty’s tradition of providing a home where all felt welcome, and food and treats were abundant. In his free time, he enjoyed watching local, college and pro sports and rodeos on TV. He could name every cowboy and cowgirl; where they were from and how many world championships they had. Because of their competitive and supportive actions captured on TV, Al was especially enamored with the Wright Brothers of Pro-Rodeo fame. It seemed they reminded him of his own quiet feelings for co-workers and family. 

 Albert made the best of difficult health situations, sharing his wit with hospital staff both in Billings and locally. He had a special bond with his main healthcare provider, Kristi Bonnel-Phillips, who he identified as an angel here on earth. 

 Albert is survived by his son, Jack Lipp (Bette Rae) of Greybull; a daughter, Jayne (Chris) Clevenger of Powell, WY; and Daughter-in-Law Serena Lipp. His Grandchildren include Casey (Melanie) Lipp, Todd Lipp, Ryan (Diana) Lipp, Matt (Grace) Lipp and Melissa (Ryan) Martin, Brittany (Jacob) Morton, Brooke (Adam Nielsen) Clevenger. The apple of his eye were his great-grandchildren Kenedi Clevenger, Trevin Morton, Aubree Morton, Hadley Lipp, Melanie Lipp, Sofia Lipp, Juniper Martin, and Gatlin Lipp. Also surviving are brothers, John and Donny, and sisters Betty, Susie, and Sandi. Special friends Olie Olsen, his wife Stephanie and family enriched Al’s life with their presence.

 Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; sons, Mike Lipp and Mark Lipp, infant daughter Tamara Lipp, and daughter-in-law Laurie Lipp, his parents, Mike and Maggie Lipp, Mother and Father-in-Law Jake and Margaret Schmaltz, and brothers, Louie, Bob, Daniel (Bud), Larry and sisters, Annie, Geraldine, and Alice.

 A family service will be held at a later date.