Louis W. Klimper

Louis W. Klimper, 87 of Billings, Montana passed away at RiverStone Hospice House on May 5, 2014. Lou was born in Butte, Mt. He was the second of six children born to Dorothy and Max Klimper. Lou spent his early years running around the Little Rocky Mountains in Zortman, Montana. He always called Zortman "God's Country" and enjoyed returning as often as possible. At age 17, Lou joined the U.S. Navy to serve in WWII and spent his enlistment in the South Pacific. After his discharge, Lou attended Northern Montana College and later graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Montana. He was proud to be a "Griz". While at Northern, he met the love of his life and soul mate, Dorothy Minor. They were married Sept. 4, 1948. To this union, five children were born. Lou taught school in Dodson, MT, Wallowa, OR, and Moses Lake, WA. After his teaching career, he was a counselor for the Vocational Rehab Center and retired as a counselor from Montana State Job Service in Billings. Lou is survived by his wife of 65 years Dorothy and his children Cynthia (Chuck) Hein, Charles (Diana) Klimper, Patricia (Ron) McKenna, Christopher (Jan) Klimper, and Margaret "Peggy" (Ken) Lutton. He is also survived by his sisters Maxine Stevens, Dorothy "Clay" Malisani, Marlene Klimper and sister in-law Betty Klimper. He was also a proud "Papa" to 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Kay Larum and brother Charles Klimper. Services will be held Monday May 12th 2:00pm at Smith's Funeral Chapel, 304 34th St W. Billings. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to RiverStone Hospice House or a charity of your choice.