Doyle E. Gripp

May 22, 1929 — May 6, 2019

Services for Doyle Gripp will be Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends on Monday, May 27, from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Lucas County Health Center Foundation. Doyle Eugene Gripp was born May 22, 1929 to Virgil Gripp and Garland Bumbarger in Virginia Township, Warren County, near New Virginia. Doyle was a strong and loving man of unyielding dedication and loyalty to his wife, family, friends and community. As a young man in his teens, several families graciously opened their doors to Doyle. In return, he worked multiple jobs to â€˜earn his keep'. Having graduated from Chariton High School in 1948, Doyle proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. He was trained as a field wireman in Fort Riley, Kansas before leaving with his unit to Trieste, Italy in August, 1952. As a Private First Class, Doyle was honorably discharged from the service on August 28, 1953. His entire life, Doyle remained an extremely proud and loyal U.S. citizen, always quick to salute the flag and stand for the national anthem. Prior to entering the service in 1951, Doyle met the love of his life, Irene Brewer. It was on their first date that Doyle revealed his passion for thrill and adventure by taking Irene to the Chariton Race Track. During a three-day leave, on March 22, 1952, Doyle hitchhiked from Fort Riley to Chariton to marry his "honey". In August 1959, Doyle and Irene purchased land just west of Chariton and Gripp's Auto Salvage was created. Doyle's love of buying, trading, bartering and selling began the moment the first wrecked car was delivered. In 1963, the couple proudly built their first home on the property and soon welcomed daughters Susan Rae that summer and Laura Jane in 1968. The pair acquired their first General Motors dealership in Chariton in January 1970 which served the community until 1992 under the name Gripp Motors. Although Doyle officially retired from the "car business" in 1994, his interest and enjoyment of all motorized vehicles never waned. Throughout his life, Doyle travelled extensively with Irene and often with their children's families. The two of them travelled the country in their motor home on multiple occasions and even trekked overseas and to Mexico on corporate trips for GM. They spent over 20 years wintering in Green Valley, AZ. Yes, the fun often began when Doyle arrived. He loved life and leaves behind many who have rich memories of their vibrant friendships. He was an avid spectator of many sports and especially enjoyed golfing, boating, skiing and fishing, attending daily coffee club and cards at the Country Club, going out for dinner, and gathering with family and friends. He was particularly fond of attending his grandchildren's many activities. Doyle was a long-standing member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a 64-year member of American Legion Post #102. He was recognized for his 50-year service and loyal support in the Lucas County Shrine and Iowa Masonic Lodge #63. Doyle was also a member of the DAV and Lakeview Golf & Country Club, as well as served as an officer of the Tenco Board and the Chariton Library Foundation Board. Doyle is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Irene; daughters, Susan (Chuck) Huttinger of North Barrington, IL and Scottsdale, AZ, and Laura (Todd) Shelton of Chariton; grandchildren, Alexis (Brian) Davis, Caitlin Smith, Caroline Huttinger, Erich Huttinger, Emily Shelton, Cooper Shelton and Bailey Shelton; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings (Merrill Gripp and Darlene Huston). Cemetery Details Chariton Cemetery HWY 14 and HWY 34
Chariton, IA 50049

Visitation

MAY 27. 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton

914 Roland Ave

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

https://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com

Service

MAY 28. 10:00 AM (CDT)