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BARK RIVER -- Albert P. Lippens, 94, passed peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Emmons Adult Foster Care in Bark River.
He was born in St. Nicholas on May 11, 1932, the son of Adolph and Sibilla (LaFaute) Lippens.
Albert married the former Lorraine Beauchamp on October 25, 1952 at St. Joseph Church in Perkins. They loved to travel and were fortunate enough to visit Belgium to see relatives. Both Albert and Lorraine enjoyed bowling, dancing to polka music, and were members of Sacred Heart Church. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 1977. Lorraine preceded Albert in death on June 8, 1983.
In 1956, he began farming and he owned and operated his own potato farm for many years. He loved working and his tractors were his pride and joy.
On, June 6, 1987, Albert married Judith Beauchamp at St. Anne's Church in Escanaba. She preceded him in death on October 31, 2020.
Albert was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years on the golf course as members of the Highland Golf Club. Albert also enjoyed playing cards, spending time in the woods, and cutting firewood. He was often heard giving the advice "Honesty is the best policy" and "Hard work never hurt anyone," both sayings continuing to drive and motivate his family. He was a devoted member of St. Anne's Church.
Perhaps one of his greatest legacies is the family he built and the values he instilled in his children. All of his children went on to marry, raise families of their own, and build lasting marriages, continuing the strong foundation of love and commitment he demonstrated throughout his life.
He is survived by children; Bruce (Susan) Lippens, Janice (Al) Mott, Keith (Karen) Lippens, Yvonne (John) Chenier, Bonnie (Tom) Kilpela, and Carl (Tammy) Lippens; stepchildren, Joseph Ambeau and Laurie Bal; brothers, Adolph Jr., Joseph, and John; sisters, Germaine, Bernice and Barbara; grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael and Holly Chenier, Rev. Allen Mott, Elaine Calouette, Joshua Mott, Jessica Porath, Nicole Lippens, Kyle Lippens, Kasey Goudreau, Andrew and Mollie Kilpela, Olivia Billiter, Charlie, Arabella and Henry Lippens; many great-grandchildren; step grandchild, Lindsey Phillips; and many nieces and nephews.
Albert was preceded in death by siblings, Ben, Rene, Alice, Philip, Mary, Irene, and Rita; and step grandchild, Anthony DeBernardi.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 16, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at St. Anne's Church with Rev. Al Mott and Rev. Fran DeGroot concelebrating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.
Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made in Albert's name through Mass intentions at St. Anne's Church. Messages of condolence may be directed to the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Lippens family.
