Gaylon Klimpel , 67, Minot died peacefully on Friday, December 25, 2020 in a Minot hospital due to complications from COVID-19. His wife and children were at his side.

Gaylon Eugene Klimpel was born on November 28, 1953 in Minot, ND to Clifford and Bernice (Irwin) Klimpel. He was raised on the family farm in the South Prairie area of Ward County and educated in Sawyer, ND, graduating from Sawyer High School in 1971.

Gaylon married Evelyn Stevenson on August 5, 1978 in Minot and they made their home in Minot. Gaylon was employed by Porter Brothers and as a musician, playing Bass for the Summerville Creek Band until 1983. The band toured the upper Midwest. After leaving Summerville Creek, he formed a three-piece band named "Music Inc". Later, he was employed by Universal Productions as a Booking Agent for area bands and by REM of North Dakota as an Individual Supportive Living Arrangements Supervisor. As a retiree he was employed part-time at Target stocking shelves. He enjoyed working and coffee time with his co-workers at Target.

Gaylon was a former member of the Minot Optimist Club and played an active role in the music community of Minot. He especially enjoyed attending REO Speedwagon Concerts with his friends and family and was passionate about collecting and repairing watches and radios and was especially interested in UFOs and Western American History.

Gaylon's loving family includes his wife of 42 years, Evelyn; sons Stony (Carissa) Klimpel and Clifford Klimpel all of Minot; grandchildren Vytalli, Ahzzy and Yari Klimpel; siblings Doyle (Ila) Klimpel of Bismarck, Carlene Thiese of Minnetonka and Lynne (Fernando) Molina of Lakeville, MN; in-laws Beverly Hall of Minot, Irene Stevenson of Wilton, Terrance(Marty) Stevenson of Bismarck, Deborah (Alan) Lee of New Town, Aaron Stevenson of Tulsa, OK, Willette (Gerald) Bachmeier of Mandan, Adeline Brunsell of New Town, Delvin (Kay), Marvin and Linda Driver, nephews and nieces include the Klimpels, Stewarts, Halls, Blackhawks, Stevensons, Lee's, Bachmeiers, Brunsells, Drivers, and many cousins.

Gaylon was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Bernice (Irwin) Klimpel; stepfather Arthur Klimpel; mother-in-law and father-in-law Etheline and Wilbur Stevenson; son Jessy Klimpel; brother Lynton (Carol) Klimpel; sister-in-law Connie Stewart; infant nephew Clifford Klimpel and infant great nephew Jalen Lee.

Gaylon Klimpel Flowers

A Public Celebration of the Life of Gaylon Klimpel: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Minot First Church of the Nazarene, 2500 West Central Avenue, Minot, ND. Social distancing and face coverings are expected to attend.
Graveside Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2021 at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Public Visitation: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 from 4 pm to 6 pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Social distancing and face coverings are expected to attend.
Memorials are preferred to the Second Story Social Club and North Central Human Service Center (NCHSC) Expressive Recovery Group.