Joseph I. Pippenger, MD, 89Grand Rapids, MI - Joseph I. Pippenger, MD, age 89, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 14, 2017, in Grand Rapids, MI.  Dr. Pippenger called Muncie home for 39 years where he practiced medicine as a General Practitioner. He was born on April 3, 1928, in Chicago, IL to the late Joseph I. Sr, and Kathryn L. (Scranage) Pippenger. He proudly served in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman which inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from Lane Tech High School, Wabash College and Indiana University School of Medicine. Upon graduation from Medical School, he completed his Internship at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN and started his practice in 1960 at 310 W. Jackson, St. in Muncie which became his "second home." Joe, Dr. Pip or Dr. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Shirlee, in April 2012. He is survived by his children; Debbie Shanstrom, Steven (Mary Jo) and Michael; his four grandchildren: J.R. Shanstrom, Steven (Stacey), Charles and Elizabeth Pippenger and three great-grandchildren: Kathryn, Emma and Ryan.  He enjoyed golfing, flying, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He and Shirlee became "snowbirds" upon his retirement. They wintered in Sun City West, AZ and summered at Lake Tippecanoe, IN. Dr. Pip was thankful for his practice and patients. He delivered over a thousand babies, made house calls and nursing home visits, performed minor surgeries, visited patients in the hospital daily and stitched up too many cuts to count. He thought of each patient as part of the family and treated each with respect and personal care.  The family has chosen to have a private family memorial. We would like to thank everyone for all the friendships, memories and loyalty that you shared with our father. His life was much fuller and happier for it.  The family has asked if you would like to make a donation in Joseph Pippenger's name, please choose the organization that is most meaningful to you. Dr. Pippenger supported numerous health research organizations and choosing his favorite was too difficult.