Dorel T. Gipe

      Dorel T. Gipe, 93, of Nampa, died Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at a local care center of natural causes. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 6, 2017, at Canyon Hill Cemetery.

      Dorel T. Gipe, 93, of Caldwell died March 1, 2017, at Karcher Estates of natural causes.

      Dorel was born June 30, 1923, in Alma, Nebraska to John and Opal Gipe. Dorel lived on the family farm in Nebraska until the drought and [the] Depression made it impossible for the family to continue farming. John and Opal made the decision to sell the horses and farm equipment in the summer of 1936. They loaded the car and moved to Idaho with Dorel and his brothers Don and Marvin.

      Dorel lived and attended school in Caldwell. He was eventually drafted and went into the Army in 1943. He served his country in the Pacific Campaign until he was discharged in November, 1945.

      Dorel married Maxine Dawson on March 22, 1948 in Caldwell where they made their home together. Dorel and Maxine raised two children, Michael and Suzanne. Maxine passed away March 2, 1990.

      Dorel married Velma Stredder in April 1991 in Caldwell where, they continued to make their home.

      Dorel spent most of his life working in the retail lumber business at Copeland Lumber, Hoff's, Bales Lumberyard, Boise Building Supply and Boise Cascade, where he retired in 1986.

      During his retirement years, Dorel continued to stay active, enjoying time at the family cabin in Crouch and traveling extensively with Velma. They were active members of the Caldwell Ramblers Good Sam's Club. Their travels included trips throughout the US, Germany, England, Alaska and Mexico.

      Dorel was a very active member of the Caldwell Christian Church. His stewardship to the church, his time as an elder, deacon, sunday school teacher, choir member and volunteer have left a lasting impact and legacy that he was very proud of.

      Dorel was an active blood donor for many years. He had type O blood, which is frequently referred to as a "universal donor". Over his lifetime, he donated nine gallons of blood, one pint at a time. He took great pride in this accomplishment.

      On his 91st birthday, Dorel informed his children that he was ready to move into assisted living. He moved to Karcher Estates in August 2015, leaving the house on Wisconsin Street in Caldwell that he had lived in for nearly sixty-six years.

      Dorel was preceded in death by his mother and father, four brothers Frank, Clifford, Don and Marvin; three sisters, Martha Huffman, Mary Upson and Luellen McGinty; his wives Maxine and Velma.

      Dorel is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Michael and LaVonna Gipe of Caldwell; daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Bennett Swift of Boise, and many nieces and nephews. Dorel was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.