Person:Craig Gimpel (1)

Craig Arthur Gimpel Phoenix, Az

Craig Arthur Gimpel, formerly of Perry, lost his long battle with muscular dystrophy Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at his home in Phoenix, Ariz.

Craig was born Jan. 14, 1949, to Mildred (Hines) McLuen and Kenneth Gimpel in Madison, S.D.

Craig attended most of his school years in Perry and was a member of the Perry High School class of 1967.

He enjoyed playing football, running track and playing guitar in his high school band, The Henchmen. He was a self-taught musician and entertained many friends and family with his music. Several of his nieces and nephews affectionately referred to him as “Mr. Bojangles.”

Craig lived life to the fullest. He wintered for several seasons in San Carlos, Mexico, with his brother, Pat McLuen and friends.

Two of his favorite hobbies were fishing and shooting pool. Craig took pride in winning numerous pool and billards tournaments.

Craig loved his family, and all loved him. It was hard to find a kinder and gentler man, especially one with such a unique and contagious sense of humor.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Millie McLuen, formerly of Perry; biological father, Kenneth Gimpel; and brother, Patrick McLuen.

Craig is survived by his beloved wife, Dora, of Phoenix; sons, Javier Cristna Villegas, of San Diego, Calif., Cesar Cota Morales, of Senora, Mexico, and Dustin Gimpel, of Omaha, Neb.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his father, Ramon McLuen, of Perry; brother, Roy (Kathy) McLuen, of Kent, Wash.; and sisters, Sally McLuen-Feldhacker, of Perry, and Peggy (Ed) Coleman, of Perry. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Craig will be greatly missed . . . until we meet again.

There is currently no memorial planned.