After nearly five decades of dedicated service to the electric cooperative community, Bob Hippensteel is retiring from the Heartland REMC Board of Directors. His tenure, which began on March 25, 1977, with Wabash County REMC and continued through its consolidation with Heartland REMC, reflects a profound legacy of leadership, commitment, and community spirit.
Hippensteels impact on the cooperative world extends far beyond his local boardroom. From 1990 to December 1993, he represented the REMC as a director on the Wabash Valley Power Association (WVPA) Board. His guidance and insight were instrumental during the organizations critical years of growth and transformation. In April 1996, Hippensteel joined the Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) board, where he served until December 2010. His peers recognized his leadership and dedication by electing him president of IEC Board of Directors in 2008 and again in 2009.
Throughout his 48 years of service, Hippensteel has been a steady and thoughtful voice, always focused on the well-being of the REMC members. As a lifelong community resident, he has guided the cooperative and lived its values putting people first, promoting local first, and supporting neighbors.
Outside the boardroom, Hippensteel is a familiar and respected figure in the community. A North Manchester High School graduate, he continued his education at Manchester College for two years. He and his beloved late wife, Oris, shared 57 years of marriage and raised four children. Though semi-retired, Hippensteel remains active on his farm and remains a devoted member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren.
As he steps away from his role, we honor the incredible mark he has left on the cooperative community. His years of service have helped shape a stronger, more resilient Heartland REMC, and his contributions will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to Hippensteel for a well-earned retirement.
“Serving this cooperative has always been about people — doing what’s right for our members and our community.”
— Bob Hippensteel
