Gordon Klipfel

Gordon Klipfel, 89, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away on September 29, 2022 in his home at Presence Fox Knoll where he has lived and enjoyed being part of the community there for the past 5 years. Gordon was born on June 8, 1933 on a farm in Ashley, ND to Frederick and Martha (Rempher) Klipfel.

The family moved to Edgeley, ND in 1939, where Gordon attended school and graduated. Gordon spent a career serving his country for over 40-years of which he was very proud to serve. He joined the National Guard, leading him to enlist in the Army in 1950. He joined the United States Air Force in 1955. Gordon served several overseas and stateside assignments during his lifelong military career. While stationed at Minot AFB ND, Gordon married Barbara Montgomery (Shelbyville, Indiana) in 1960. His last tour of duty overseas was in Thailand from 1968-69. Gordon served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. After the Thailand assignment, Gordon returned to Ellsworth AFB, SD where he served until his retirement in 1972. After retiring from the Air Force, Gordon and his family moved to Shelbyville, Indiana and returned to Minot, North Dakota in 1974 where he worked in Civil Service at Minot Air Force Base until retiring in 1995. In 1993, Gordon married Mary Fowler (Petersen). Gordon and Mary spent their time living in North Dakota and Arizona before moving to Aurora, Illinois in August of 2017.

Gordon was a kind and generous man loved and revered by his family and friends, all of whom were blessed to have him in their lives.

He is survived by his wife, Mary. Daughter, Kristi and son-in-law, Robert Barley. Grandsons, Tyler Barley and wife Carly, Matthew Barley and partner, Abigail Gazvoda. Gordon is also survived by Mary’s family: Ed Fowler, Matt Fowler, Bob Fowler (Sue), Kathy Devigne, and grandchildren– David Devigne (Colleen), Kim Berman (Sean), Megan Fowler, Cassandra Fowler, Karl Fowler, Eddie Fowler, Karalyn Fowler, Alyssa Fowler, and great grandchildren–Brooke, Wyatt, Hazel, Madeline, Leah, and Lillian. A brother, Dale Klipfel, in Edgeley, North Dakota.

 Gordon was preceded in death by first wife, Barbara Jane (1991); two brothers, Leonard and Herbert; and three sisters, Esther, Hulda and Elsie.

Visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Hope Lutheran Church, 1575 Reckinger Rd., Aurora, IL 60505. Visitation will be from 10:30am-11:00am and service at 11:00am.