In Loving Memory of John Nipper: 1937-2022

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On Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, John Louis Nipper, a loving husband and father of three children, who had four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, passed away surrounded by loved ones at the age of 84.

John was born on Nov. 20, 1937, in Coos Bay, Oregon to John and Dema Nipper. On Aug. 16, 1958, he married his long-term girlfriend Lavalle Audett Miller, whom he met in second grade. They raised two daughters, Sonia and Pamela, and a son Mark. John retired from the United States Air Force and civil service. He built the Mckenna Y Restaurant in 1987. He has been a Yelm resident for 55 years. 

John will be missed and remembered for his humor, story telling, and love for his dogs, cats and farm animals. He was talented in woodworking and left behind many handcrafted pieces that will be treasured for generations to come. He had a passion for nature, working in the woods, and tinkering in his shop. Out of his various Air Force travels overseas and within the U.S., he often shared stories of his time in Alaska and the beautiful sites he visited. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings Don, Bill and Betty. He is survived by his wife Lavalle; his children Sonia, Pam and Mark; his grandchildren Nicole, Seth, Makaila and Justin; and great-grandchildren Mason, Jaylee, Mira, Harper, Jonas and Johnnie (who is expected to arrive on Dec. 23.) 

A graveside service will be held at Yelm Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. May he rest in peace.