Obituary for Shannon Clay "Shad" Whipp

Shannon Clay “Shad” Whipp, beloved husband, brother and friend, and passionate outdoorsman, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer at the age of 64, surrounded by his siblings, on July 21, 2024, at his home in Ames, IA.

Shad was born on July 27, 1959, in St. Paul, MN, to Shannon and Ruth (Peden) Whipp. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1977. In 1987, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University. Shad married the love of his life, Jennifer (Nerness) Whipp, on February 25, 1989.

For many years, Shad and Jennifer owned and operated Whipp Trading Company and The Pretzelmaker at Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines, IA, where he became a well-known figure. Throughout the community, he was recognized for his integrity, generosity, warmth and kindness.

His career as an avid outdoorsman spanned decades, from his childhood days exploring the woods near his home to his later expeditions in rugged mountains, vast forests and deep seas. He was a skilled hunter, fisherman and naturalist. Shad loved sharing his vast hunting and fishing knowledge with others. He mentored many aspiring young adventurers, known as his “Padawans,” and took great pride watching them grow into accomplished outdoorspeople and in passing these skills on to the next generation. His hunting trips with family and friends became legendary, where laughter around the campfire blended with stories of his escapades in the wild. Shad’s passion extended beyond personal enjoyment; as a staunch advocate for conservation efforts, he dedicated his time and resources toward the preservation of the habitats he held dear.

Shad’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy as a conservationist and gentle soul will live on through the countless lives he touched and the landscapes he helped protect. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the richness he brought to our lives and the enduring beauty of the natural world he so dearly loved.

Shad is survived by his sister Meg Whipp (John Janis) of Springfield, OR; brothers Sheridan (Dawn) Whipp of Suquamish, WA, Reed Whipp of Waukee, IA, and Boone (Bonita) Whipp of Waterloo, IA; nieces Michelle (Steven) Hanks of Baton Rouge, LA, Cheyenne Whipp of Lost Nation, IA, and Barbara Nerness of Stanford, CA; nephews Clay Whipp of Portland, OR, Thor Hong of Arlington, VA, Evan Hong (Lydia Walsh) of Kingston, WA, and Jacob (Rachel) Bell of Tabor, IA; uncle Bob Arms of Oro Valley, AZ; mother-in-law Ila Nerness of Council Bluffs, IA; brother-in-law John (Claudia) Nerness of Los Gatos, CA; sister-in-law Becky (Patrick) Bell-Connors of Malvern, IA; and many other relatives and friends throughout the United States.

Shad was preceded in death by his parents and his cherished wife, Jennifer.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Huxley City Administration Saferoom, 515 North Main Ave, Huxley, IA 50124.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Shad’s memory to:
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - www.rmef.org
Arbor Day Foundation - www.arborday.org
Pheasants Forever - www.pheasantsforever.org