A. C. "Tony" Sipe, 94, Ada, MN, died Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Bridges Care Community, Ada.

Anthony Clifford Sipe was born May 5, 1917, at Lockhart, MN, the son of Emmett and Marie "Wilkens" Sipe. He was baptized and confirmed at the Lockhart Lutheran Church. He was one of ten children in the family. The boys grew up helping their father who operated a blacksmith shop and pool hall. Tony attended school in Lockhart before graduating from Ada High School in 1935. After high school, he worked for the Maass General Store and the First State Bank of Lockhart.

Tony was drafted into the United States Army in May of 1942, during World War II. He served nearly four years before his discharge in October of 1945. He was a First Sergeant and was active in battles in Italy and North Africa. He was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star, Soldiers medal, and the Purple Heart.

Tony returned home and was soon employed by the First State Bank in Ada. Over the years, he held numerous titles and ultimately served as Bank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He retired in 1993. He continued to serve the bank as a Director ending his banking career with over 55 years of service as a trusted and admired banker.  Tony was united in marriage to Clarabelle Ellingworth on December 22, 1951, in Ada. They made their home in Ada and raised their five children. He was a loving husband and devoted father.  Tony enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in school sports and other activities.

Tony was a committed community builder who made a positive impact and did so with a smile. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and many civic and Veterans organizations. He had served as a member, officer, or past president of the following: Ada City Council, Ada Chamber of Commerce, Norman County Commissioners, Ada Jaycees, Ada Lions, Ada Hospital, Ada School Board, Ada Quarterback Club, Norman County Fair Board, Salvation Army, Heart of The Valley Golf Club, Ada-Borup Booster Club, Ada Centennial Committee, and Norman County Historical Society. He served as Post Commander of Ada American Legion and Quartermaster of Ada VFW. He organized and served on the Ada Veterans Honor Guard for over 50 years. In his banking career, he served in the Norman County Bankers Association, 9th District Minnesota Bankers Association, and State Bankers Association.

Tony's participation in organized sports spanned several decades. His love of baseball, golf, and bowling continued into his later years. He played for the Ada Athletics baseball team for 15 years, managed the Ada American Legion Baseball team for 35 years, and was elected to the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986. He was given the title of Ada's Mr. Baseball by the local newspaper. Tony was also honored by the City of Ada and Ada High School by naming the Ada Sport Fields the Tony Sipe Athletic Complex. Tony's love of baseball was and will continue to be an inspiration to the youth of the Ada area.

Tony is survived by his wife of 59 years, Clarabelle, one son, Tim (Rita), Sipe, Fargo, ND, four daughters, Teri (Pat)  Deutsch, Rochester, MN, Tamara, (Kevin) Anderson, Ada, Trudy (Steve) Collins, and Trisa (Alan) Olson, both of Valley City, ND, 8 grandchildren, Eric (Deanna) Deutsch, Tim Deutsch, Brandon (Kinsey) Anderson, Kristina Anderson, Jessica (Jeff) Larson, Isaac, Jacob, and Clarissa Olson, 4 great grandchildren, Cannon and McCoy Anderson, Allison Claire Deutsch, and Baby Boy Larson, three sisters, Alice Johnson, Moorhead, MN, Irene Dittmer, Republic, WA, Lucille Hanford, Mentor, MN, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Jack, Louis, Albert, Raymond, and Allen and sister Florence.

Funeral Service: 2:00PM Monday, May 16, 2011 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada.
Visitation: 5-7PM Sunday with a 6:30PM Prayer Service at Fredrikson Funeral Home, Ada.
Burial: Ada City Cemetery.