Thomas Klipfel
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Thomas Richard Klipfel, 79, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully from Alzheimer's disease on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Sacred Heart Care Center.
Tom was born on May 30, 1942 in Ashley, North Dakota. He was the son of Richard and Esther (Bertsch). After graduating high school, he went to NDSU in Fargo, but after two semesters transferred to Dickinson State, and began his studies in earning a music degree. On December 28, 1962, he married Louise Eszlinger, his sweetheart from Ashley. He graduated in 1964 from DSU and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. His first job in 1964 was as a band/choir director at Ekalaka, MT, then went on to teach in Napoleon, ND, Sisseton, SD, and then Herman, MN (1970-86) where he and Louise raised their family, made lifelong friends, and have always considered their "home." Other degrees awarded during his lifetime were Master's Guidance Counseling from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD; and an Administrator Degree from Mankato State in Mankato.
Under Tom's direction, the music program in Herman flourished and it became cool for students to be in band. The students fundraised, traveled, and then competed in summer band trips to Rapid City, SD, Washington, DC, and Orlando, FL. Mr. Klipfel always used the phrase "Band Pride" - and it was understood by the students what those two words meant: Be proud of who you are and where you came from, be respectful, and be a good representation of the community.
Tom and Louise moved to Austin, MN in 1988 and bought their very first house. He worked as an assistant principal in Austin at Ellis Middle School; at John Adams Middle School in Rochester; and at St. Theo School in Albert Lea. He retired in May 2005.
Tom is survived by the love of his life of 59 years, Louise; his children Kelly (Jeff) Branch of Ramsey, MN, and Randy (Jane?) of Lake City, MN; his grandchildren Mackenzie & Colin Branch; Ben, Sam & Nate Klipfel; his sister Peggy (Norm) Baumgarn of Grand Forks, ND.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on August 14, 2021 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be at the church one hour before the service. Our Savior's Lutheran Church's (Austin, Minnesota) Facebook page will be live-streaming the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom's memory to Resounding Voices Chorus (www.resoundingvoices.org). Visit clasenjordan.com for more information.