With heavy yet grateful hearts, we remember Joseph David Hippen—known lovingly as Joe,  “Scrappy” was the name that so many friends and family affectionately called him. Joe’s story began on a summer day, July 17, 1978, in Iowa City, Iowa. It was a city rich with bustle and possibility, an apt place for one who would grow to fill every space he entered with tenacity, laughter, and a presence that left nothing unchanged.

Joe’s journey came to a close on August 4, 2026, at the Davis Hospice Center, embraced by the loving presence of his sister. The gentle hush of that room marked the end of Joe’s time with us, but it could not quiet the resonance of his spirit nor silence the vivid memories he gifted to all whose lives he touched.

To know Joe was to know the complicated beauty of connection. He was son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin—a central figure among an expansive tapestry of family. Survived by his devoted parents, Randy and Kim Hippen, whose unconditional support framed every triumph and stumble, and by his deeply cherished siblings: Billijo Ponce Hippen and Damon Hippen. Billijo stood by his side till his last breath, a testament to the undefeated bond they shared. The circle of those who called Joe family is immense, spiraling out to his brother-in-law Nick Urias Sr., who became a steadfast friend; two beloved nephews Nicholas Urias Jr. and Xavier Urias; niece Merrisa Urias; and even a great-neice, Olivia Urias, each touched indelibly by Joe’s encouragement and mischief.

Grandparents Victoria Ponce and Royce Hippen, as well as an extraordinary array of aunts and uncles—Joe Ann Melhus, Nick Melhus, Bernabay Ponce, Gerald Ponce, Paul Ponce, Shelia Ponce, Christine Nava, Gilberto Andrade,Desiree Virgin, Lee Virgin, Valerie Winter, Tom Winter, Fredericka Miller, Chris Miller, Raquel Ponce, Gabe Ponce, Melissa Rodriguez, Mike Hippen, Cindy Barron, Brenda Hennigar, Tim Hennigar, Bill Hippen, Marsha Hippen, John Kirschbaum, Sara Jane Krischbaum and their loving  and families—helped shape the landscape of Joe’s upbringing. So many cousins lots of them who were more like sibings and friends, so numerous and so intertwined were all recipients of Joe’s loyalty, humor, and readiness to defend or uplift when needed most.

Some cherished family members went before Joe: his grandfathers  Lupe Ponce and Tom Krischbaum, grandmothers Cathy Krischbaum and Dorothy Hippen; and dearly missed aunts and uncles Jimmy Ponce, Veronica Hernandez, Ledo Hernandez, Denny Klunder, DeAnn Lutcavish. Cousins Julie Ponce, William Whipple, Dominic Garrett, Demetrius Nava, and Jerimiah Hippen have also passed, leaving bittersweet spaces in the family tree.

Each of these lives intersected with Joe’s in meaningful ways—a fact Joe never failed to honor in gestures large and small. The stories that knit together his time on earth aren’t confined to grand accomplishments or momentous announcements, but rather the understated magic of steadfast presence, boisterous gatherings, and the contagion of a mischievous grin.

Joe’s legacy is found in the moments when laughter flew unbidden around family tables, when resilience in the face of challenge birthed new hope, and when he reached out a hand to someone who needed steadiness or cheer. He was “Scrappy” for good reason—unyielding in heart, relentless in caring, and fiercely loving.

He leaves behind a grateful family who will forever feel his absence, and yet, somehow, the echo of his voice, the memory of hard-fought joys, and the unmatched warmth of his embrace remain palpable.

Friends and loved ones are invited to honor Joe’s memory at a Funeral Mass on August 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 603 House Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82007. Thereafter, a reception will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1881, 2816 E 7th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. This potluck will be filled in Joe’s style—an open-armed invitation for you to bring a dish to share or simply bring yourself and help celebrate Joe’s life.

Today, as we reflect on his passage, we cradle both sorrow and gratitude—for the years Joe walked beside us, for the love he so freely gave, and for every memory that, even now, keeps the light of his spirit bright in our hearts.