Gordon Kleppe

Gordon Lavern Kleppe, 81, of West Union, Iowa died Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa. 

Gordon Lavern was born May 6, 1938 to Frederick Herman and Gladys Harriet (Helgerson) Kleppe on a farm near Ossian, Iowa in Fayette County. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian and also grew up attending country school, rural Ossian, Iowa. He and his family spoke fluent Norwegian, a heritage for which he was very proud.

     Gordon was united in marriage with Doris Jean Jorgenson on June 1, 1958 at Bethel Presbyterian Church. His first job was working at Wilbur Ford. He also drove school bus for many years. Gordon was a Policeman in West Union for ten years and before his retirement, he was the Water Superintendent for the City of West Union for thirty-five years. He also was the Custodian at the United Methodist Church for fifty-three years and loved taking care of the church. In his spare time, Gordon loved his cars and keeping everything meticulously clean, doing yard work and keeping his mower as clean as his car. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch, visiting with everyone.  Gordon was a member of the United Methodist Church in West Union. He loved his family dearly and was extremely proud of his grandchildren. He also loved his dog, Jesse.

     Gordon is survived by his wife, Doris Kleppe of West Union, Iowa; two children, Cindy (Ron) Ward of Fayette, Iowa and Chris Frederick Kleppe of West Union, Iowa; three grandchildren, Tanner Ronald Ward of Randalia, Iowa, Sydney Rose Marie Hauer and Saige Elizabeth Hauer of Cedar Falls, Iowa; step-grandson, John Hauer of Arizona; son-in-law, James Hauer of Solon, Iowa; two brothers, Leslie (special friend, (Vivian) Kleppe of West Union, Iowa and Bernell (Linda) Kleppe of Richland Center, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

     Preceding Gordon in death were his son, Kevin Gordon Kleppe; daughter, Carrie Rose Marie Hauer; his parents, Frederick and Gladys Kleppe; and two sisters, Frances Blockhus and Lavonne Osmundson.

Visitation was held from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at United Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa. There was  also a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 at United Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. Chris Ebbers as the officiant.

Burial followed at West Union Cemetery in West Union, Iowa

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.