Dr. Amos Wipf

Born on March 7, 1924, in Onida, South Dakota, Amos was the youngest of four children, having three older sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Justina Pollmann Wipf, and his first wife of 53 years, Joyce Walter Wipf.

Amos grew up in South Dakota, and he worked the farm until age 20 when he joined the United States Army, where he served as a medic during WWII.

Amos’ lengthy student and professional college and university journey began at Huron College in South Dakota, where he majored in Chemistry. He earned three Master’s Degrees, a Masters of Christian Education at Bob Jones University, a Masters of Chemistry from Clemson University, and a Masters of Basic Science from the University of Colorado.

Amos went on to achieve a Doctorate in Physical Chemistry from the University of Northern Colorado. After receiving his doctorate in chemistry, he said, “The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know.” He remained an avid learner his whole life.

Amos went on to a career as a teacher and professor: teaching high school science in Tehachapi, California for 5 years. He also served as the track coach, took flying lessons, directed the church choir and led the youth group.

At the startup of Liberty University, the family moved to Lynchburg, VA in 1972, where he became head of the Division of Science. He also taught memory training courses and started the nursing program there. After he retired, he served on the Board of Regents at Liberty and is featured in Who’s WHO of Educators.

As an 11 year old boy, he attended a small country church in South Dakota. He prayed to receive Christ and gave his heart to Jesus. He was a member of Cleveland First Baptist Church. His Life Verse is from I Corinthians 9:8.

In 1979 he learned how to make Dip and Carve Candles from his daughter Anita. He later owned a Candle shop with Hand Carved Candles in Solvang, CA. Amos is a member of the National Association of Wood Turners and has created many beautiful pieces of art. Amos always loved to garden and embraced the simple habit of “fruits and veggies in a capsule” at age 72.  He credited his longevity to the Lord for his good genes and to Juiceplus+!!

Amos was a traveler, visiting all 50 states. He loved Fibonacci and working Sudoku puzzles. He was also an inventor and had a incredible work ethic. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell riddles. Amos was a patriotic American and with a deep devotion to our country. He was most proud of his three daughters. Amos was patient, kind, long suffering, resilient, loyal, and positive.

Amos celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year with more than 150 friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Celia Dixon Wipf; his three daughters, Anita Dickson, Amy Goetz, and Janelle Wipf; five grandchildren, Joy Goetz, Charity Tamsberg, Luke Goetz, Hannah Vinson, and Rebecka Kaltenbach; nine great grandchildren: Hazel Kaltenbach, Brooklyn Vinson, Adelaide Tamsberg, Dakota Vinson, Alder Tamsberg, Leena Vinson, Ward Tamsberg, Avanelle Tamsberg, and Millie Vinson; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3 P.M. Sunday, November 24, 2024, from The Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1-3 P.M. Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the funeral home, prior to the service. An Inurnment burial will be held in Yonah View Memorial Gardens.

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.