August 25, 1949 — April 22, 2024
Rod Nippert passed away suddenly on Earth Day in the home he helped build. Our hearts are broken at the loss of husband, father, grandpa, dear friend and pie-maker extraordinaire.
Rod was born to Anne Kroeger Nippert and Boyd Nippert in New Philadelphia, OH on Aug. 25, 1949. They moved to a turkey farm in New Carlisle, OH where he grew up with his older brother & younger sister.
Rod graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1967.
Rod was attending Ohio University in 1967-68 when the National Guard were called in to “quell the riots”. A turning point happened as he stood on the College Green with a brick in his hand, aiming at Chubb Hall, and realized he didn’t know why. He dropped the brick & turned his attention to learning more about effective resistance. He went on to Ohio State, then met Linda. After a hippie lawn wedding — dressed in purple — they moved to Elgin, IL where he spent 2 yrs. in alternative service working in a day care center.
Following that, they spent the next 2 yrs. in Fort Collins, CO where he spent his final year in school. They moved back to OH, converted a school bus, and spent a year traveling around the country.
Upon their return to Ohio, Rod and Linda found an intentional community in Sunflower Farm where he lived until his death.
Rod made Sunflower Farm his base of operation, whether for raising children, creating stained glass, growing his community and Bodacious Berries, housebuilding, or serving as inspiration for the occasional Magical Mystery Tour. He loved games, puzzles, and music.
Rod turned his prodigious curiosity and wonder outward – from the seasons of local flowers, to the cosmos, to the mis-workings of government. He was a thoughtful activist on behalf of life and justice.
Rod was preceded in death by his mother and father; older brother Dwight; and nephew Sean. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda; his son Isaac Dylan (aka Scott); grandsons Harry and Finn; and sister Janne Ferguson (Matt); sister-in-law Barb Nippert; nieces and nephews Stephanie Burton, Scott Nippert, Parady Ruf and Andrew Ferguson (and their families). Rod was the very best buddy of Candy, the family dog, and long time stained glass partner of John Matz.
In recent years, Rod became a fierce and knowledgeable caregiver for Linda, seeing her through a complex medical condition.
Anyone who was at Rod’s 50th birthday party would have been exposed to his wild side!
A celebration of Rod’s life will take place on August 24 at Christ the King Family Center. Friends are asked to assemble at 2:00.
“If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution!
