Daniel Lewis Whipple

In Memory of Daniel Lewis Whipple 1943 – 2018

Truly a Loving Father and Husband, Dan Whipple passed away early Sunday May 6, 2018 at The Kemper House in Strongsville, Ohio. Dan was born May 10, 1043 in Baltimore City, Maryland the son of Stanley Robert Whipple and Anna Marguerite (Schorr) Whipple. Early in his youth, Dan was attracted to the technology of the day. Known to take apart and fix radios along with any other gadgets he could get his hands on, it was clear a career in Engineering was his future. Dan attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute for high school, graduating in 1961. Dan followed his technical high school education by attending Case Institute of Technology (Now Case Western Reserve University) in Cleveland where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1965. Dan was a proud member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, serving in roles such as House Manager while a student. The fraternal bonds where strong and Dan remained close to several of his ‘brothers’ until late in his life. Dan not only fell in love with the Cleveland Area while attending college, he also met his bride of nearly 52 years on a blind date while at school! Kathleen Suzanne Brant and Dan Whipple were happily married on June 11, 1966.

Immediately following his graduation in 1965, Dan had the opportunity of a lifetime and accepted a job at NASA becoming a part of the “Race to the Moon” as promised by President Kennedy. Dan spent the next 36 years in various Engineering roles at NASA Lewis (Now Glenn) Research Center in Cleveland, retiring in August 2001. Dan left his mark on the legacy of the space program. As an Electrical Engineer, Dan helped write and test computer code used in the development of spacecraft. In fact, he received his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Toledo so he could continue his work on the cutting edge of computer programming and software development. He always enjoyed a challenge, and when given the chance he helped develop and streamline the software used to run the major development wind tunnels at NASA Glenn. It was in the 1970s where Dan’s expertise in computational fluid dynamics helped develop the spacecraft we all came to know as The Space Shuttle.

Outside of the Space Program, Dan was part of a research team that is responsible for many of the advances we enjoy today in airline safety. In particular, advances in flight de-icing technology were a direct result of the team’s work. Dan chaired the committee on in-flight experiment safety worthiness for several years until his retirement.

Dan loved many things outside of his professional career. He routinely exposed his family to the fine arts, especially classical music. Dan was a master with trivia, anything science or technology related. He could often be found working outdoors most weekends enjoying nature. After his retirement, Genealogy became a passion and Dan traced his family’s history back to its very beginnings. He was very proud of his heritage and enjoyed the challenges or family research.

Dan had an immense impact on many lives and he will be truly missed. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone at the Kemper House who so lovingly cared for Dan in his final years. Dan is survived by his wife, Kathy Whipple, his daughter Cynthia Rimko (Troy), his son Jeff Whipple (Nikki), his grandchildren Alexander Rimko, Zachary Rimko, and Carmella Whipple. Dan has several cousins, nieces, and nephews who he always held near to his heart.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday June 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Columbia Baptist Church (25514 Royalton Road, Columbia Station, Ohio 44028) followed by a reception in the Church basement. In keeping with Dan’s request, in lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to two of Dan’s favorite non-profits: The Ohio Genealogical Society, 611 State Route 97 W, Bellville, Ohio 44813-8813 or The Weathersfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 126, Perkinsville, Vermont 05151.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel Lewis Whipple, please visit our floral store.