F. Harley Wipperling, age 80, of New Rockford, ND, died Thursday, March 4, 2010, at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford.

Fred Harley Wipperling was born October 20, 1929, the son of Fred and Freda (Thaden) Wipperling at New Rockford, ND.  He attended Columbia Township School near Brantford, ND.  Harley then worked on the family farm until 1951, when he joined the United States Air Force.

Harley was united in marriage to Carolyn Marie Ross of Sumter, South Carolina on September 29, 1957.  Two children were born to them; Freda Marie was born August 21, 1959, in Belleville, IL, and Fred Jr. was born April 25, 1960 in Great Falls, MT.  Harley and Carolyn later divorced.

Harley served in the Air Force until 1975, retiring as a Lt. Colonel and Senior Command Pilot.  After leaving the Air Force, he worked as a financial planner and stock broker for IRA/USPA and AG Edwards.  He retired in 1990.

In 1997, Harley returned to live in New Rockford.  He served as a City Commissioner, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club and American Legion, and had been a previous member of Rotary Club.  Harley was a Major in the North Dakota Civil Air Patrol and was a Certified Instructor pilot.

Besides flying, Harley’s hobbies included hunting, Ham Radio, wood carving and family genealogy.

He is survived by his daughter Freda (Joe) Bortone of Pensacola, FL; his son Fred Jr. (Lynn) of Mandeville, LA; two granddaughters and one grandson, Elizabeth Bortone of Pensacola, Lindsay Wipperling of Mandeville, Alex Bartone of Pensacola; one brother Wilfred “Bud” (Bernice) Wipperling of Carrington ND; two sisters, Helen Dungan of New Rockford and Fay Goodno of St. Paul, MN; and many nieces and nephews.