obituary from newspaper

KIP WILSON

Sioux Falls — Kip Wilson applied a simple philosophy in his long career with J.C. Penney Co., and with his traditional sense of professionalism, helped to train many managers in the corporation.

"When the store was started, it was called The Golden Rule,' and that was the one thing he always thought of in the way he treated customers and fellow employees," said his son, C.O. Wilson of Sioux Falls.

Clifford Orville "Kip" Wilson, 89, of 2900 S. Lake Ave., died of respiratory failure Saturday, April 28, 2001, at Avera McKennan Hospital.

He was born Jan. 31, 1912, in Stover, MO., to Charles and Muriel (Johnson) Wilson. He grew up and attended school in the area, graduating from Rolfe, Iowa, High School. He began his career with J.C. Penney in 1936, in Chippewa Falls, Wis.

He married Lucille Shaw Bucher on July 22, 1937, in Plover, Iowa. The couple lived in Chippewa Falls until he was drafted in 1943. Wilson served with the U.S. Marine Corps until 1945. He returned to work with J.C. Penney after his discharge, working as a manager in stores in Crosby, Minn., Vinton, Iowa, Ishpeming, Mich., and Wisconsin Rapids and Green Bay, Wis.

He retired as manager of the Grand Forks, N.D. store in 1972, then moved with his wife to Detroit Lakes, Minn. His wife died in 1976. He moved to Sioux Falls in 1998.

He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the Kern Temple in Grand Forks and an avid golfer.

In addition to his son, survivors include two daughters: Pamela Wilson of Marlborough, Mass., and Karl Swanson of Virginia Beach, Va.; seven grandchildren, and a sister, Ruby Beam of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Miller Funeral Home on Main Avenue is in charge of arrangements.