Amy Zipp

She was born on June 24, 1968, in Iron Mountain, a daughter of the late Patrick and Kathleen (Gordon) Recla.

Amy was a graduate of Niagara High School, Class of 1986. She received her first bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1991. After college, she moved with her high school sweetheart, John Zipp, to Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1991. They were married on May 2, 1992, at St. Anthony Catholic Catholic Church in Niagara. While living in Iowa, Amy and John welcomed their first child, a son, Matthew Otto Zipp.

Amy and John moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1995. Soon after, Amy received her second bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh. Amy spent her career working in a medical laboratory as a medical technologist in Ottumwa, Fond du Lac, Waupun, Wis., West Bend, Wis., and Oshkosh, Wis. Amy and John welcomed their three daughters, Madison, Miranda and Maike, while in Fond du Lac. After retiring in October 2024, they both moved back home to Niagara.

You could find Amy coaching or sitting in the bleachers at a volleyball, hockey, soccer, track, golf, and/or softball game. She put many miles in the car traveling around Wisconsin and the Midwest supporting her kids. You could find Amy tending to her many gardens in her yard, making bonfires, listening to AC/DC, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, going on walks with the dogs or simply being outdoors. She loved spending time with her family, friends, and being a fur grandma to her daughters’ two dogs and cat. She seemed to always have a project going and would end the day with a Captain and Coke with a slice of lime “If you got it!”

She is preceded in death by her son, Matthew Otto Zipp; and parents Patrick and Kathleen (Gordon) Recla.

She is survived by her husband, John Zipp; daughters Madison Zipp (Davis Rollin), Miranda Zipp (Ocean Sotelo), and Maike Zipp (Jay Przekurat); brothers Pat Recla (Luann), and Danny Recla (Sandy); sisters Debbie Wodenka (Randy), Lori Aderman (Dan), Julie Butler (Bob), and Betsy St. Arnold (Bruce); mother-in-law and father-in-law Larry and Mary Zipp; sisters-in-law Pam Zipp, Jill Avoles (Doug), and Leanne Heckman (Rick); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the critical care team at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wis. The compassion and empathy shown to Amy and her family during this challenging time was greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Jacobs Funeral Home-Niagara Chapel in Niagara. A Celebration of Amy’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Father Joe Dorner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Karen’s Food Pantry in Niagara, where Amy was a volunteer.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Amy’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home-Niagara Chapel to honor Amy’s legacy of life.