The Gatton, Lockyer and Brisbane Valley STAR, Wednesday, July 7, 2010 - Page 17 Edwin remembered as one passionate human EDWIN Sippel will be fondly remembered for his love of music, passion for farming and commitment to his Christian faith. Edwin David Sippel was born on July 17, 1926, at the family home Billagoorpa at Long Gully. Ed, as he was widely known, was the oldest son of August Wilhelm and Emma Sippel (nee Muller). He was one of seven children, four girls and three boys. He grew up at Long Gully and was baptised and confirmed at St John's Lutheran Church in Minden. He attended Hatton Vale State School until the age of 14 when he went to help his dad on the farm. He was taught the piano at Minden and would ride his horse 10 a miles each week for lessons. He was later asked to join the Minden Brass Band and was given a cornet and a tutor book to learn the fingering which he mastered. Mr Sippel's natural musical ability together with his keen ear for music enabled him to teach himself to play the organ, violin and mouth organ. During band practice he was distracted by the smile of a pretty young lady Vera Schimke, who became his wife in 1948. The pair had six children together: Judith, John (dec), Rodney (dec), Lester, Errol and Lois. In 1955, they purchased Vera's parents' farm at Coolana and made their living by dairying, fattening pigs, and growing lucerne for fodder, crops of corn, pumpkin, onions and beetroot. In 1961 the old homestead was demolished and the present home was built. Mr Sippel was actively involved with the church, playing the organ at services for more than five decades. He taught Sunday school for just as long. He was also a church elder and congregational chairman. His grandchildren fondly remember celebrating Christmas Day at the Sippel farm with a family lunch and a game of cricket. Edwin passed away on June 22, aged 83 years and is survived by his two sisters Ruth and Ida, brother Reuben, four children and their partners — Judith and Graeme, Lester and Gayle, Errol and Elaine and Lois and Greg, 13 grandchildren and their partners, and four great- grandchildren.