Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026.
Beloved husband of Sue Klipsch (née Rothkopf); loving father of Kimmy (Andrew) Gainer; adoring grandfather of Eleanor Gainer; dearest son of the late Joseph and Roseann Klipsch; dear brother of Joseph (Karen), the late David (Carol), Jane (David) Spinner, Mary (Joe) Winkelmann, Eric, Karen (Michael) Fogarty and Sue (Blake) Kelley; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many and all.
He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend anyone could hope to have. He will be dearly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, contributions made to the Dan Harbaugh Endowment | Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis (rmhcstl.org), St. John Vianney High School, or to the James Sr. and Virginia Jost Scholarship at Christian Brothers College High School are greatly appreciated.
SERVICES: Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brentwood (2618 S Brentwood Blvd., 63144) on Wednesday, August 5th at 9:30 AM (Words of Remembrance will begin at 9:20AM). Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Dear Sue and Kim,
We are so saddened to hear of John’s passing! Jeff has so many memories of him from St Catherine’s and Vianney, basketball especially. We are keeping you in our prayers. We are so sorry we will not be able to attend his memorial service, but we will be thinking of you! The picture above is how we will always remember him with that big smile on his face! Hugs and love from Jeff and Linda Durbin
Mr. Klipsch was a true St. Louis gentleman who will be deeply missed by the whole Hagan family. He always welcomed you with a genuine smile and laugh, a warm handshake, and a sense of humor that’s irreplaceable. Our prayers are with the entire Klipsch family, especially Mrs. Klipsch and Kimmy. We love y’all so much!
Our deepest condolences to the Klipsch family. You are all in our prayers.
Eric and the Klipsch Family,
On behalf of the Miklovic Family, please accept our heartfelt sympathy and prayers on the passing of your brother, John E. Klipsch.
Although many people may never have known John’s name, they certainly benefited from his remarkable talents and generous spirit. Eric as Campus Administrator, often “engineered” John’s involvement in addressing the many infrastructure challenges found on the St. Mary Magdalen campus. With buildings that was hovering at the century mark, there was never a shortage of repairs and maintenance needs. Time and again, John answered the call.
John was truly a master tradesman. A man of imposing stature—a “mountain of a man”—he matched his physical presence with an even greater willingness to serve. His skill, craftsmanship, and dedication undoubtedly saved the parish many thousands of dollars while preserving the beauty and functionality of a campus that has served generations of faithful Catholics. His quiet labor was a lasting gift to our parish community.
More importantly, John shared his God-given talents with humility and generosity, asking little in return. His work reflected the words of St. Paul: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Through his hands, countless projects were completed, problems were solved, and our parish was strengthened.
We also remember John as a devoted husband, a loving father, and an adoring grandfather to Eleanor, who was undoubtedly one of the greatest joys of his life. While his family grieves the loss of someone so dearly loved, they can also take comfort in a life well lived—a life marked by faith, service, generosity, and love.
John’s legacy will remain visible throughout the St. Mary Magdalen campus in the many repairs and improvements he helped accomplish, but his greatest legacy lives on in the lives he touched through his kindness, willingness to help, and steadfast love for his family.
Please know that Eric and the entire Klipsch family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God grant John eternal rest and reward him for the many ways he faithfully served both his family and his parish. May our Lord bring you peace, comfort, and the assurance that one day we will all be reunited in His heavenly kingdom.
Dear Sue and Kimmy,
I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the two of you but I have had the joy and honor of knowing your husband and father for over 50 years.
We were in the Class of ’78 together at St. John Vianney.
John has always been one of the friendliest, kindest, caring persons I’ve known. He was an outstanding person back in the day and carried that quality all throughout his life with us.
I’ve been blessed to know him, watched many of his wonderful basketball games (as I was on the All Male Cheerleading Team at Vhi!) and had him in many of my classes.
I know many, many folks enjoyed visiting and spending time with him at Klipper’s through the years.
May our Patron Saint John Vianney watch over your loved one on tomorrow’s Feast Day.
And may our Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father God comfort you in this great loss.
Be assured of my prayers for the two of you and your entire family. And of course for our friend-for-so-long … John!
Thank you for giving John so much happiness and joy here on Earth with your beautiful family.
My deepest condolences on your profound loss.
Nick Ganim
Dear Kimmy & Family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers.
Our deepest sympathy
The Porcelli Family
Sue,
Carla and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to you and Kimberly. John was always smiling, upbeat, welcoming and willing to lend a helping hand. Although we are out of town, and not be able to attend his service, we will keep you and Kimberly in our thoughts and prayers.
To the Klipsch Family,
John was a wonderful and positive person; he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Sue, Kimmy, Andrew and the Klipsch family-
I am so sorry for your loss. John was truly a remarkable man who lit up every room with his larger-than-life personality. He was kind, generous, and always willing to help someone in need. He will be deeply missed.
To The Klipsch Family
Sue and Kimmy I am thinking of you both and sending you prayers of love remembering John.
John will always be a positive loving memory for me over the 50+ years I have known him.
His welcoming presence and sincere generosity will always be remembered.
I wish I could be there in person to share with you all the wonderful life of John.
Mollie Mattingly- England UK
Sue , Kimmy, and Eleanor,
We know John was an amazing person. It was an a honor to get to meet you all. Sending the biggest hugs. Although we know that no words can make one feel better during a time like this, I’d like to share a short scripture with you both.
“ Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Eric and the Klipsch Family,
On behalf of the Myself a Bother Knight and on behalf of the Saint Louis Council 453, please accept our heartfelt sympathy and prayers on the passing of your brother, John E. Klipsch.
Sue,
We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I pray for peace for you and your family
John was such a great guy. We loved coming to Klippers back in the day for dinner! Great memories were made there thanks to you both.
Peace, Sharon and Don Schroeder
I was shocked and saddened to see John has passed he was a true gentleman and just a great guy. My condolences to his family and to all of his friends.
John was one the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet. He brought people together- not the easiest thing in world to do sometimes. Very very sorry to hear this. Deepest condolences to his family
Sue and Kimmy – Kelly, Allyssa, and I, are so sorry for this devasting loss. John was always smiling and ready to serve others with such a warming presence. Ready to help young kids enter the workforce and give them instructions and advice like any father would. He will be missed; however, he is with some of the greatest people we know who went before him. A tribute regarding his wishes for donations reflects his true character.
John was a generous, kind, welcoming and friendly man. . He hosted our grade school reunions for all these 50 years and they were always so enjoyable. He was a great host and made everybody feel special. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace John.
Dear Sue,
I am sorry I missed the email notification and did not make it to the funeral.
John probably had more friends in this city than anyone else I can think of, because of his wonderful personality and willingness to help others. You were blessed to have him for so long, I cannot imagine the pain you must feel. I pray that the peace that passes all understanding helps you to heal from this tremendous loss.
I will be lifting up you and the Klipsch family to God our Father in prayer, that wonderful memories of John will replace the sorrow of his loss.