Gerald Franklin Kiplinger, 89, of Ashland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away Monday, March 7, 2011, at Brethren Care Village.
He was born May 26, 1921, in Albion. Gerald was the son of Benton and Mae (nee Keen) Kiplinger. He had resided in Ashland County all his life.
Gerald was a 1939 graduate of Homer High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served as an ensign aboard an LST in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After finishing his service in the Navy, he returned to Ashland to finish his bachelor's degree at Ashland College.
Gerald married the love of his life, the former Vivian Crumrine, on Nov. 28, 1947.
He taught music at several schools, including Nova, Sullivan and Lexington for a total of three years. Following his teaching career, Gerald became a carpenter and home builder. He started his own overhead garage door business, Kiplinger Door Co., in 1958. Gerald owned and operated the company for 28 years until his retirement in 1986.
He was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church where he sang in the church choir for many years and served as a former church trustee. One of Gerald's favorite pastimes was building and flying model airplanes with his friends.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 63 years of marriage, Vivian Kiplinger of Ashland; two daughters, Linda Kiplinger of Columbus and Karen (Don) Hostler of Westerville; three sons, Jerry Kiplinger of Ashland, Dave Kiplinger of Ashland and Kevin (Angelin) Kiplinger of Fairfield Township; two granddaughters, Jennifer and Kelsey Hostler of Westerville; two stepgrandsons, Juan Carlos and Christian Vargas of Fairfield Township; two sisters, Ann (Art) Verbsky of Bellefontaine and Rosemary (Mac) Bright of Ashland; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by three sisters, Maple Kiplinger, Lola Hisey and Eileen Reynolds; and a brother, Marlowe Kiplinger.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2011, at Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Cox officiating.
Internment will be in Ashland Cemetery where the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.
Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 1140 Claremont Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805; or Brethren Care Village, 2000 Center St., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Family Members
Spouse
Vivian Irene Crumrine Kiplinger
1925–2013
