Obituary: Rowen D. Zipfel

Rowen D. Zipfel passed away May 23 at his home in Burbank. He was 93.

Born Aug. 15, 1917 in Bakersfield, he was a Burbank resident for more than 80 years.

He was a journeyman plumber for more than 40 years and retired from Wm. A. Peet & Son Plumbing in North Hollywood.

Zipfel was an artist, specializing in watercolor. He also did leather tooling and woodworking, and loved his antique 1927 Erskine Studebaker automobile. He was also a volunteer at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bettie; daughter Pam Kirkwood; grandson Kris Kirkwood; granddaughter Kirsten Kirkwood; two great-grandsons; sister Patricia Goodman; three nieces and two nephews.

A private family viewing and graveside service will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills and a memorial/celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Providence Trinity Care Hospice, 2601 Airport Drive, Suite 230, Torrance, CA.