Robert Hipke (Teacher, Coach)

Robert K. Hipke, 78, of Ocala, passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Born in Chicago, Ill., to Adolph and Marie Hipke, Coach Hipke moved to Miami, Fla., where he was a star lineman at Miami-Edison High School, class of 1952. He then received a scholarship to play at the University of Miami from 1952-56. Robert received his bachelor's and master's degrees in education and spent the next 38 years teaching, coaching and positively impacting the young lives of many students. While in Miami from 1962-76, Bob was a teacher, coach and the head football coach at Hialeah High School. Coach Hipke then moved his family to Crystal River and spent the remainder of his career at Crystal River Middle School as teacher, dean, athletic director and head football coach.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gertrude Hipke; son Robert C. (Beth); daughter Tracey Patrick (Andy); and grandchildren Lauren and Alaina Hipke and Connor and Luke Patrick.

A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday Jan. 24, 2013, at the Strickland Funeral Home of Crystal River. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Gulf to Lake Baptist Church in Crystal River with Pastor Lloyd Bertine presiding. Interment will follow at Fero Memorial Gardens of Beverly Hills.

 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests mourners please consider a memorial contribution to the Gulf to Lake Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River. -