Grace “Chirpi” Vickerstaff

Grace “Chirpi” Vickerstaff of Minocqua passed away at her home on November 6, 2026. She was born July 19, 1932, in Clinton, Iowa, to Louis and Catherine Iten. Chirpi grew up in Clinton and spent her summers in the Northwoods. She proudly shared that she was lucky enough to spend all but two summers on Fence Lake.

After graduating from Clinton High School, she attended Lawrence College in Appleton, where she majored in voice. She loved to sing, and her nickname came from her bird-like voice.

Chirpi met Bill “Vick” Vickerstaff in high school, and they were married in September 1954.

Over the years they made their home in Mt. Vernon, Iowa; Simsbury, Conn.; Stevens Point and Minocqua. They also spent many winters in Rio Verde, Ariz.

Chirpi stayed active throughout her life and kept a full social calendar. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and a 75-year member of P.E.O., where she held several chapter offices. She supported Rotary as a Rotary Wife and hosted several Rotary exchange students. She was also a life member of the Howard Young Medical Center Auxiliary and a member of the Howard Young Foundation Bonhomie Club. Since the late 1970s, she was an active member of the Community Church of Boulder Junction, where she served on several committees and sang in the choir.

Because of her love of flowers and plants, Chirpi could never pass a garden store without bringing some home. She was an avid knitter, rarely without her knitting bag. She knit for everyone and was especially known for her “Chirp’s Toppers,” including strawberry hats for newborns, holiday hats, and soft alpaca chemo caps.

Chirpi was a dear friend to many and stayed in touch with people from every era of her life.

She and Vick enjoyed visiting friends across the country and around the world. Several years ago, instead of sending Christmas cards, she began calling everyone on her list. She loved bringing people together and was a driving force in several dinner groups over the years, most recently Northwoods Neighbors. She entertained often, hosting family, friends, and neighbors for happy hour, a meal, or a game, and her “Nuts and Bolts” were always out for snacking. She had a true gift for remembering details about the many people she met.

Chirpi found beauty in every season: the new flowers of spring and the Garden Walk, summer visits with family and rides on the pontoon, the colors of fall on a drive through the countryside, and the snow and the Christmas tree in her backyard in winter. And all year long, her bird feeders kept her company with the wildlife she so enjoyed.

Chirpi was preceded in death by her husband, Vick; her son, Ken Vickerstaff; her grandson, Scott Vickerstaff; and her great-granddaughter, Hailey Roe. She is survived by her daughter, Katie (Guy) Roe; her daughter-in-law, Lynne Vickerstaff; and Leslie Roe, who was “like a daughter” to her. She is also survived by her grandchildren Andy (Mary) Roe, Molly (Grant Neff) Roe, and Bill (Liz Cole) Vickerstaff, and her great-grandchildren Kenzie Roe, Ryan Roe, and Brock Fay. She is also survived by her siblings, Francie (Don) Hart, Margi Murphy, and Lou (Patricia) Iten.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bolger Funeral Home - Woodruff. A Memorial Service will follow Saturday, November 21, at 11 a.m. at the Community Church of Boulder Junction, with lunch afterward. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or a charity of your choice.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.