Joel E. Hipp, 56, of Willard, Ohio, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 10, 2023.  He was born on July 25, 1966, in Norwalk, Ohio, to Gerard and Patricia (Riley) Hipp and was a 1984, St. Paul High School graduate.

Joel had a witty sense of humor, and was handy, outgoing, friendly, and always approachable.  He was an avid car enthusiast, enjoyed boating, traveling, and finding and working on projects.  He was a wonderful son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle.  He truly was one of a kind.

Many knew Joel from the Hipp family business, Maple City Ice, where he had worked for over 40 years.  He was also a longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Patricia (Nestor) Hipp, of Willard; their daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Sullivan, of Norwalk; son, Andrew (Courtney) Hipp, of Norwalk; parents, Gerard (Patricia) Hipp of Norwalk; mother in-law, Darlaine Nestor of Norwalk; grandchildren, James Sullivan and Harper and Lillian Hipp; brothers, Jeff (Mary Ann) Hipp and John (Rachel) Hipp all of Norwalk; sisters, Anne (John) Everson of Huron, and Mary (Mike) Berry of Mansfield; sisters in-law, Kellie (Tony) Steyns, Kasey (Troy) Spaar, and Anne (Paul) Waldrop; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James (Agnes) Riley; paternal grandparents, Leander (Bertha) Hipp; father in-law, Richard Nestor; and brother in-law, Mark York.

A visitation for Joel will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Huron County Fairgrounds, in the Expo Building, 940 Fair Rd., Norwalk from 4-7 p.m.  Visitation guests (those 21 and over) are encouraged to pay their respects, and enjoy a cold, refreshing Bud Light.  A funeral Mass will be held the following day, on Friday, June 16, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main St., Norwalk, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Anthony Recker presiding.  Interment will follow the Mass in St. Paul Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent De Paul, 91 E. Main St., Norwalk, Ohio 44857.  Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com