Morton Sipress

03/23/1938 - 06/02/2024

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Obituary For Morton Sipress

Born in Brooklyn, NY on March 23, 1938, Morton passed away in peace and comfort on June 2, 2024.

He received his BA in Political Science from City College of New York in 1961 and his MA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota in 1964. Work towards his Ph.D. was abandoned in 1966 to take a position as Instructor at the Wisconsin State University at Eau Claire (known since 1971 as University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire).

It was there that he met his beloved wife Sylvia (married in 1967) and spent his entire teaching career, rising to become an Associate Professor (1985) until his retirement in 2000.

In addition to teaching, Mort served many political campaigns as a consultant, and the Eau Claire area community as an election analyst, appearing many times in newspapers, and on radio and television. He was on the Wisconsin Caucus Implementation Commission (1983-1984) and served as Chair of the Platform Committee of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (1978 – 1982).

He was the author of “Instructor’s Manual to Government in America, 2nd Edition” (1983) and a co-author of “Wisconsin Government and Politics” (1987). He served for many years as an editor for the “Wisconsin Political Scientist”.

He was also deeply involved as an advocate for people with disabilities, volunteering his time and practical knowledge of government by serving on various boards and committees to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.

He was an avid lover of theater, music and visual arts, and a long time fan and supporter of UWEC Women’s Basketball. He was also a talented photographer.

He is preceeded in death by his brother Ron; wife, Sylvia; and daughter, Judith, and survived by sons, Matthew and Neal; and granddaughter, Mina.

A funeral service will be on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 11:00 am at Temple Sholom, 1223 Emery Street, Eau Claire, with Rabbi Shosh Dworsky officiating. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at B’nai B’rith Cemetery on Omaha Street. Friends and family may leave online condolences.

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Condolences

  • 06/11/2024

    Barbara Tzetzo Gosch

    I knew Mort for so many years & and possibly fifty due to (but not auite sure of exact number) due, to our affiliation with UW-EC and the E.C. Co. Democratic Party. He left an amazing legacy to be admired and treasued tby me and so many others who wanted a Democratic Society & enjooyed politics. I knew Sylvia, too, and am sure he always missed her. I want their grown sons to know how "Special" it was to be friends with Mort and both parents. How proud you must be of your intelligent, caring, and giving father. Sincerely, Barbara Tzetzo Gosch

  • 06/10/2024

    Barbara Redman

    I would like to just send my condolences to Morton's family. I met Morton just the past year as his personal shopper through Shipt. I was fortunate that he chose me as one of his preferred shoppers and had many wonderful conversations about life, family, politics and all his loves in life especially lamb chops! He was always so kind and I truly loved to getting to know him. He always talked to fondly of his family and how much he loved them. It was an honor to meet and know your father. Wishing you peace, Barbara Redman

  • 06/09/2024

    Kathlynn and Jay Kirk

    Our condolences to you, Neal and Matt, on the loss of your father and our friend. Age and distance kept us from being closer in recent years, but I have fond memories of WODS camping, conversations about politics and parenting and whatever else came to mind. I'm sorry we can't be there Sunday but we're celebrating a graduation within the family. We will miss Mort, as will many others. He was such a good man.

  • 06/08/2024

    Linda and Lexi

    Mort was a wonderful and gentle soul. He loved his family more than anything he will be greatly missed. Thank you, Mort for letting us be a part of your family. Give doggy a hug and kiss from us.

  • 06/07/2024

    Matt Flynn

    Rest in peace, Mort. Mort and Sylvia were friends of ours, and contributed immeasurably to Wisconsin civic debate and to the Democratic Party. Our deepest sympathy to their family. Matt and Mary Flynn

  • 06/07/2024

    Josh

    I was fortunate to have had professor Sipress (his wife Sylvia as well) for several political science courses in the early '90's. I enjoyed his classes because he made them interesting, had a terrific sense of humor, and made difficult ideas easier and fun to learn. I'm sure that I'm not alone in this assessment, and I wish his family peace.

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