WWII Army Ranger, Hot Air Balloonist Dies at the Age of 90

This week saw the passing of Zane G. Shippy, a decorated World War II veteran, longtime airline employee, and father of five. The Burnsville resident died at his home on Oct. 2, 2013. He was 90 years old. 

Shippy was a native of Hinton, IA. His world travels began when he enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1939. Three years later, he was chosen to join the American Army Rangers, a newly formed unit modeled on the British Commandos. As a member of Darby’s Rangers, he saw action in North Africa, Sicily, and the Italian mainland. He was granted a medical discharge in 1944. Shippy was awarded a Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, two Presidential Unit Citations and the American Order of the French Croix De Guerre.

In October of 1949 he married Jean (Francoli) in Sioux City, IA. After discharge he worked in the budding commercial airline industry. He was a longtime employee of Mid-continent, which was acquired by Braniff International Airlines. He retired after 38 years with Braniff. 

In his spare time, he was active in the ballooning community. He frequently served as a crewman for his son Curt's balloon, "The Phoenix." Shippy was also an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved the outdoors. 

He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jean; son, David; and sister, Hope (John) Heffernan. 

Shippy is survived by his children, Laura Shippy, Curt (Jolie) Shippy, Mary Shippy and Charles (Lori) Shippy; grandchildren, Angela (Ryan), Travis, Brian (Jessie), Jason and Cara. 

A memorial service for Shippy will be held 11 a.m. on Friday Oct. 11, 2013 at the White Funeral Home in Burnsville. A gathering of family and friends is scheduled for one hour preceding the service. Interment will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to the Fisher House for veterans families preferred in lieu of flowers.