Zane A. Hipke

Zane A. Hipke, 89, of Grand Island, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, October 8, 2021. He resided at Heritage at Sagewood in Grand Island.



Memorial services and burial will be at 10:30 am. Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Derek Apfel officiating. Burial will follow in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the funeral home.



Zane was born October 12, 1931, at Atkinson NE to Roy and Sophia (Zwiebel) Hipke.



He graduated from Ainsworth High School. Then on November 2, 1956, he married LaVonne Smith, and they were happily married for almost 50 years. Together they had three children, Valda, Vance, and Gary.



Zane had various jobs throughout the years, including owning the Floret flower shop, working at New Holland, driving for Heartland Ag, and his favorite job of running grain cart for his friend Monte Stelk.



Over the years he had been a member of the Spinning Tops Square Dance Club, the Masonic Temple, and travel clubs. Zane and LaVonne enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing, traveling to casinos, and playing cards. (All his family would tell you how competitive he was at cards, and sometimes made up his own rules as he played. Insisting in his stubborn way that he was right.) He enjoyed his time with his coffee group friends over the years. He liked to tease and joke most of the time too.



Survivors of the immediate family include sons and daughters-in-law, Vance and Sharon Hipke of Chapman, Gary and Pam Hipke of Grand Island, son-in-law Bill and Sandy Blauhorn of Palmer. Grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Heather and David Wells of Grand Island; Josh and Kristi Blauhorn, Peyton, Braxton and Harper of Palmer; James and Chelsea Blauhorn, Maya, Addison, Avery, and Claire of Palmer; Allison and Todd Ziegelmeier and Audrey of Gem, KS, and Ryan Hipke of Grand Island. One sister, Sylvia Strong of Hallesville Mo. Two brothers-in-law, Rodney Smith of Camarillo CA; Gordon and Pat Smith of Kearney NE, and numerous friends, nieces, and nephews.



Zane was preceded in death by his parents, his spouse LaVonne, daughter Val Blauhorn, and eight brothers: Lester, Russell, George, Reed, John, Neil, Gordon, Dale, and one sister Goldie Kelley.