Barbara Kiplinger

Barbara Loetsch Kiplinger, age 73, passed peacefully surrounded by her family at the Pikes Peak Hospice Unit at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO, on November 30, 2017. Barbara was born on August 5, 1944, in Falkensee, Germany to Wolfe and Else (Mueller) Loetsch. Her early years were spent being raised by her loving Grandparents, Hermann & Frieda (Filip) Mueller in Falkensee. At age 13, she reunited with her parents in Bitburg, Germany. She graduated from high school and Business College. She worked in Luxembourg and at the Spangdahlem Air Force Base (Germany), where she met her future husband, Major Jack G. Kiplinger. They were married on January 26, 1967, at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Ill, and had two daughters. Barbara and Jack and their family traveled the world through many active duty tours in the Air Force. In August 1980, they moved to Colorado Springs, CO, when Jack retired from the Air Force. First and foremost, Barbara was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She worked for Target, Current, the Colorado Springs Visitor Bureau at the Colorado Springs Airport, and the Colorado Springs Police Department. One of her proudest moments was when she gained her U.S. Citizenship in 1993. She was proud to be an American. She was raised with Dachshunds when she lived with her grandparents, and her love for animals was omnipresent with a home filled with cats, Dachshunds, and Brittany Spaniels. Barbara had a soft spot in her heart for any animal, and she took care of strays and frequently donated to a variety of animal shelters. Her favorite hobbies included needlepointing, counted cross stitching, knitting, crocheting, and sewing clothing for her daughters when they were young. She loved German food and frequently dined at Uwe’s German Restaurant and shopped at Wimberger’s Old World Baker & Deli (both in Colorado Springs). Barbara had many dear friends that she made during her journeys with Jack while he was in the Air Force, and those she made after they retired in Colorado Springs. Barbara is survived by her loving husband Major Jack G. Kiplinger, USAF, Retired, and daughters Dr. Jaqueline L. Kiplinger in Los Alamos, NM and Robynne D. Kiplinger Dahl (Robert) in Colorado Springs, CO. Barbara will be missed by everyone who knew her and remembered as a very caring and loving woman. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Barbara’s name to the Espanola Valley Humane Society at https://www.espanolahumane.org/donate/