Bruce Henry Hippensteel

Bruce H. Hippensteel, age 86, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on May 2, 2024, at Kingston Memory Care with his family at his side.  He was born on February 8, 1938, to Dale and Thelma (Wright) Hippensteel.  On August 21, 1960, he married his wife of 63 years, Judith Ann.

Bruce lived a life dedicated to service to his community and profession.  Bruce graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1956. He received a BS degree in education from Manchester College in 1960. Bruce began his career as a teacher at Jefferson High School in Huntington County where he also served as the baseball and basketball coach.  From 1964-66, Bruce was a Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal at Eaton Schools in Delaware County.  He also taught Government and served as the school’s Athletic Director.  He obtained a master’s degree and a Superintendent’s License from Ball State University in 1964 and 1966 respectively.

In 1966, Bruce and his family moved to Lagrange County where Bruce served as the Elementary Principal for four schools in the Prairie Heights Community Schools through 1970. In 1970, at the age of 32, Bruce became the Superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools.  He served as Hamilton’s Superintendent through 1980.  From 1980-2004, Bruce was the Superintendent of West Noble Community Schools.  Upon retirement, Bruce was presented with the “Bell Ringer Award” by Indiana’s Superintendent of Education, the highest award given by the state for outstanding service to education.

Following retirement from West Noble, Bruce continued to work in education after being recruited to assist several local school districts.  During the period of 2005-2010 Bruce served in succession as the interim Superintendent for the Whitko, Churubusco, and Hamilton Community School districts.

Over the years Bruce made countless contributions to the community through his service to area organizations. That list includes: Hamilton Lions Club, Ligonier Rotary, Ligonier Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement Board, Noble County Board of Health, Board of Ligonier Historical Society, Kenny Foundation Board, American State Bank Board of Directors, United Way, Drug-Free Noble County and Noble County Teen Court.

In his spare time, Bruce enjoyed spending time with his family.  The Cleveland Indians won the World Series in 1948. Bruce was 10 years old, and he became a lifelong fan, traveling frequently to see games.  He jogged until the age of 75 and entered numerous road races.  Bruce also enjoyed kayak and pontoon boat rides with his grandchildren.  He was a skilled Euchre player with a knack for successfully making it without a bower, referred in the family as “pulling a Bruce”.  Bruce set an unwavering example of treating others with kindness and respect.  He was quick to offer congratulations or encouragement.  He continued to show his family his love and compassion until his final days telling family members “I love you,” “I like you,” “I’m proud of you.”

Bruce is survived by his wife of 63 years Judy of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three children: Beth (Bill) Ibbotson of Keller, Texas, Amy (Dave) Nugent of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Dan (Lynn) Hippensteel of Villa Park, Illinois; six grandchildren: Hannah and Zoe Hippensteel of Illinois, Allyson and Leah Nugent of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Julian and Maria Ibbotson, of Keller Texas; siblings Pete (Delores) Hippensteel of Angola, Indiana, Stan (Jean) Hippensteel of Clarkdale, Arizona and Lynn Hippensteel of Venice, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Thelma Hippensteel, and his brother Dr. Kirk Hippensteel of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

‘BITS & PIECES’ from the Desk of Superintendent Bruce Hippensteel

*What gives me the most satisfaction as Superintendent of West Noble Schools is when I walk in to the different buildings of the School Corporation during the school day and experience the positive, accepting climate that exists in each of the schools.  The knowledge that West Nobel students are in a good and safe place where they are able to attend to the “business of learning” is very satisfying to me.

*West Noble Schools and the West Noble Community has been a good match for my family and me.  Judy and I have enjoyed the many student activities that we have attended throughout the years, as well as the interaction with the members of the West Noble Community.

In keeping with Bruce’s wishes, no public visitation or services are planned.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.act.alz.org or a charity of choice.

Precious memories.