He was 88, of Stratford, passed away peacefully at West Perth Village, Mitchell on Thursday, May 21, 2026 surrounded by his family. Born in Ellice Twp, son of the late Lloyd and Laura (Steckley) Kipfer. Burnell is survived by his true love and best friend of 63 years; Donna Pauline (Heckman) Kipfer. Proud and loving father of his “girls” Sue (Nick) Daniels, Leanne Kipfer (Rui Brum), Paula Kipfer (Tony Benton) and Gwen Kipfer. Loved Grandpa of Rachael (Tyler), Hannah, Chloe, Emmet, Mitchell, Sofia, Richie, Aidan and Liam. Burnell will be fondly remembered by his siblings Elmina Scheerer, Fern Durand, Garry (Linda) Kipfer, Dale (Linda) Kipfer, his sisters-in-law Helen Kipfer and Reta Kelland and his many nieces and nephews.
Burnell Lloyd Kipfer spent his life dedicated to family, farming and community. He was a lifelong dairy farmer, and he took an active role in Perth County Dairy Committee, Perth Federation of Agriculture, Stratford Agricultural Society, Ellice Optimist Club and St. Matthew Lutheran Church. He was a proud member of Second St. Johns Lutheran Church, Wartburg.
Burnell and Donna shared a beautiful life filled with adventure, whether they were camping, attending country music jamborees, or travelling throughout Europe, Canada, and the USA. Known for his great sense of humor, Burnell loved telling stories and bringing laughter to any room. He cherished the simple pleasures of playing cards with family and friends, and nothing made him prouder than cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events.
Thank you to the staff at West Perth Village for your kindness and support in caring for Burnell.
Besides his parents Burnell was predeceased by his siblings Shirley (Anson) Ehgoetz, Annis (Alex) Innes, Lyle Kipfer, Keith Kipfer, his father and mother-in-law Art and Emily Heckman, and his in-laws George Scheerer, Tony Durand, Orville Kelland, Kathleen (Elton) Ehgoetz and Dorothy (Nick) Schulz.
Family and friends are invited to Burnell’s visitation on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. Burnell’s memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a time of food and refreshments.
In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to support the Music Therapy Program at West Perth Village or a charity of your choice through the funeral home. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
