Douglas Carl Kempfer, 85, of Westminster, Colorado passed away at home on May 26, 2026. Doug was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 4, 1940 to Milton (Tubby) and Dorothy Kempfer who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by son Ric, younger brother Kenny, and in-laws Polly and Roy Hornburg. Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Geraldine (Gerry) Carol Kempfer, son David (Teresa), 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Doug is also survived by his younger brother, Kurt (Janine), sister-in-law Karen (David) Lehmkuhl, sisters-in-law Pat and Lynn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doug graduated in 1959 from Jennings High School in Jennings, Missouri where he met his future wife, Gerry. After graduation, Doug joined the United States Air Force to become a jet mechanic until his formidable skills as a musician were discovered and he was redirected to the Air Force Band of the Rockies at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, where he played clarinet and saxophone.

After marrying Gerry in 1960 and discharge from the Air Force in 1963, Doug moved his young family back to St. Louis to work for Ozark Air Lines. With his love of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains calling, he moved back to Denver in 1967 and worked for Frontier Airlines for 20 years. After Frontier, Doug did a brief stint at United Airlines before finishing his career during the cleanup phase at Rocky Flats.

A cherished husband, father, and Christian, Doug was loyal, honest, hardworking and friendly to everyone he met. His humor and kindness were loved by all. He will be greatly missed.