Gordon Gregg Klempel, age 75, passed away at his rural Bloomfield home on February 16, 2018 after a brief battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Richey, Montana with Pastor Paul Sponheim officiating. A private family interment with military honors will be held in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive, Montana. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Gordon was born May 10, 1942 in Sidney, Montana. He was the second oldest of five siblings of Frank and Kathryn (Gregg) Klempel. He attended South Valley School northeast of Bloomfield and graduated from Dawson County High School in Glendive in 1960. Upon graduation, he worked seasonally in Colorado before joining the Army. Upon his completion of military service at Ft. Belvoir, VA, he briefly attended Montana State University in Bozeman before joining his parents in a farming/ranching operation where he later became a principal. In 1967, he married Ilene Sanders of Circle, MT. They were blessed with a daughter (Pamela) and son (Scott). Last June, Gordon and Ilene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family while in Hawaii.
He was passionate about farming and ranching, especially during the spring and harvest seasons. He took many vacations with his family, having the opportunity to travel throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. Throughout his life and in his retirement years, he enjoyed caring for livestock, hunting, flying his airplane, taking care of a large yard, woodworking, and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family; he was a faithful volunteer at Eastern Montana Bible Camp and generously helped neighbors.
Gordon is survived by his wife Ilene; his daughter Pam (Bill) Cates of Castle Pines, CO; his son Scott of Nixa, MO; his four grandchildren, Payton Klempel, Paige Klempel, Jack Cates, and Ellyn Cates; his sister, Janice (Duane) Mullet of Sun Lakes, AZ; three brothers, Don (Debbie) of Glendive, MT, Tom (Marjorie) and Alan (Sherri), both of Bloomfield. He was also loved by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His parents preceded him in death.
The family thanks the hospice staff for their services and for the enduring love and care by lifetime friend and neighbor, Bill Holzworth.
Memorial donations are suggested to be given to Eastern Montana Bible Camp, c/o Connie Unruh, 431 Road 523, Bloomfield, MT 59315.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.