Janet "Jan" (Skupa) Dippell

Janet Dippell, 83, of Granger, Indiana, passed away on May 24, 2026, at St. Paul’s Life Plan Community, surrounded by her family.  Janet was born on January 10, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska, to the late William and Lucille Skupa.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, William “Bill” Skupa, Jr.  

Janet attended high school at Notre Dame Academy in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 1960.  She then earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Mary (Omaha, NE) in 1964.  During her senior year she met Clarke Dippell, whom she married on May 7, 1966.  After a short time in Omaha, the couple moved to South Bend, Indiana in 1967, where they built their home and started a family.

Janet worked as a medical transcriptionist for six years before leaving the workforce to raise her children and support her husband’s career as an educator and head football coach.  Years later she returned to the medical field in an administrative role, working another ten years before retiring in 2009.  For nearly 15 years, she volunteered at St. Pius X Catholic Church, planning and serving funeral luncheons and dinners for more than 200 community families. 

She enjoyed entertaining, attending Broadway productions, cheering on her husband’s, children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams and playing cards with neighborhood friends.  She was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan and a Green Bay Packers fan.  She liked watching the Olympics, Figure Skating, Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, Nebraska Football and College Baseball (especially the College World Series - played in Omaha).   She also treasured traveling with her dear friend Kathy G., on many trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Rome and a memorable journey to the Holy Land.  Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, Janet attended church faithfully, generously shared her time and supported the church in many ways.

She is survived by her children: Randy (Diane), Cathy and Andy (Maggie); her grandchildren: Brianna, Dean, Tyler, Ava, and Clarke; her great-granddaughter Cortana; and her sister Joan Militti (Tony) of Omaha.

She will be remembered as a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. 

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5 PM - 7 PM at Palmer Funeral Home- Welsheimer North Chapel 17033 Cleveland Road South Bend IN, 46635. The following day, Friday June 5, 2026 there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St Pius X Catholic Church 52553 Fir Road Granger, IN 46530 with a time of visitation an hour prior. 

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN 46530, or Notre Dame Academy (aka Notre Dame Sisters), 3501 State Street, Omaha, NE 68112. 

Palmer Funeral Home- Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements 

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