Keith Clipper

Gordon Keith Clipper was born June 30, 1929 to Gordon John and Vera Pearl (Van Dusen) Clipper on the farm in Drammen Township near Lake Benton, Minnesota. He attended country school at District #68 through the eighth grade. When he was 14 he helped farmers haul manure for one dollar per day. When he got his chauffeur's license at age 16 he began his trucking career in Chicago working for his uncle Lyle Clipper. He returned to Lake Benton and farmed with his best friend, Nels Jorgensen. On June 13, 1944, Keith trusted Christ as his Savior. He married his first wife, Dorothy Darlene Rogers at First Baptist Church in Lake Benton in 1948. Their union was blessed with two children, Marcia and Jeff. The couple farmed south of Lake Benton and he worked for Williams Trucking. Dorothy died in 1976. Keith worked hauling fuel with Star Oil, had Clipper's Store and Caf in Verdi, was a Northrup King seed corn dealer, and operated Clipper Septic. Keith married Marlys (Beskow) Brands on December 26, 1993 at First Baptist Church. The couple made their home in Verdi, Minnesota, and he continued to operate Clipper's Septic and Liquid Manure Hauling. As the result of an accident in Verdi, Keith died on Monday, August 26, 2013 at the age of 84.

Keith was a member of First Baptist Church in Lake Benton, where he served as a deacon, usher, greeter, and providing special music. He served on the Verdi Water Board. He enjoyed work, travel, buffets, and building remarkable trucks, and especially time spent with family and friends.

Keith is lovingly remembered by his wife Marlys of Verdi, Minnesota; his son, Jeff Clipper of Verdi, Minnesota; 8 grandchildren, Kimberly (Tim) Henderson, Kristie (Shawn) Applegate, Kelley (Jeremy) Bjornstad, Becky (Chad) Newell, Cullen (Stephanie) Clipper, Shannon (Diane) Clipper, Amanda (John) Lillis, and Brittany Clipper; 16 great-grandchildren, Ashley, Alex and Austin Henderson, Parker, Presley, and Payton Applegate, Judson, Kayte Madison, and Jackson Bjornstad, Terrence Clipper, Alexus Brown, Caylee, Isaac, and Ariel Clipper, and Justice and John Jr. Lillis; 3 step-children, Jolene (Randy) Garner, Kevin (Monica) Brands, and Rebecca (Mark) Benson; 10 step-grandchildren, Kristen and Jared Roberts, Ashley Renne, Bryce Westlake, John and Kaia Brands, and Sam, Nathan, Thomas, and Emily Benson; 3 step-great-grandchildren, Hailey, Alexander, and Bentleigh; sisters, Norma (Bill) Rogers of Sebring, Florida and Gloria (Bob) Even of Elkton, South Dakota; brother, Vann (Leanne) Clipper of Hugo, Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy; his daughter, Marcia; step-daughter, Debra Schmahl; granddaughter, Natasha Clipper; his parents; and a sister, Marian Pricer.

Blessed be his memory.