Doloris Gertrude Zipoy

Doloris "Dee" Gertrude (nee Willman) Zipoy, peacefully passed away on August 4, 2025, one hour shy of her 100th Birthday. She was born on August 5, 1925 at St. Barnabas Hospital in Minneapolis. She lived most of her life in Hopkins and her love for the Hopkins community stayed despite living in many cities as a devoted wife of a Navy Chief Petty Officer. After her husband, Willard "Zip" Zipoy retired they bought a home in Hopkins, Park Valley neighborhood, where she resided until January 2022, before moving to The Glenn-Hopkins. Dee was the daughter of John and Lilly Willman and resided on 7th Ave N in Hopkins with her siblings, Joanne and John (Jack). She also spent much of her childhood with her Aunt Tena and Cousin Bernice who lived with John and Lily and family. Dee graduated from Hopkins High School inn the Class of 1943. Zip was a year ahead of Dee and already enlisted in the US NAVY. She and a girlfriend, Mary, ventured to Pasadena, California where Mary's parents lived. Mary's husband and Zip were both stationed on a ship docked in San Francisco. The four of them would go out together when the sailors would go to Pasadena. After a short courtship, Zip called and asked Dee "Want to get Married"? and Dee said "Okay". Dee and Mary hitch-hiked from Pasadena to San Francisco. His proposal sealed the start of their lifelong partnership. They were married at the San Francisco courthouse on March 28, 1945 and were married 63 years. Her life truly changed! Dee moved to San Francisco and got a job at the Aircraft Factory assembling airplanes, thus being known as "Rosie the Riveter". Marriage brought joy and also the unique challenges of Navy life. Next came the children...and ten months later they welcomed LeeAnn Kathy and Deborah. Post retirement they welcomed a son, Michael John. She is survived by LeeAnn Bastyr Ching (David), Kathy Mackai (Larry), Deborah Scofield (Greg) and Daughter-in-Law, Denise Zipoy, brother John (Jack) Willman, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son Michael J. Zipoy in 2023 husband Willard "Zip" Zipoy in 2008, sister, Joanne (Willman) Brandon in 2013 and parents John B. Willman in 1983 and Lily Willman in 1988. Thank you to the staff at The Glenn in Hopkins for the kindness and care while Dee was resident there. Our gratitude and appreciation to Suite Living in Inver Grove Heights and Brighton Hospice for the loving care provided for Dee for the last four months of her life. A Celebration of Life will be August 27, 2025 in the Washburn-McReavy Chapel at 2:00pm in Hopkins with visitation one hour prior to the service. The family invites you to join us after the service, in the reception room for a "100th Birthday Celebration" in honor of Dee. Memorials preferred to Hopkins VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Hopkins Historical Society or donor's choice. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Strobeck Johnson 952-938-9020 1400 Mainstreet, Hopkins

Tributes

Doloris Gertrude Zipoy

August 5, 1925 - August 4, 2025

Tributes

Doloris Gertrude Zipoy

August 5, 1925 - August 4, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203