Ronald Lee Kleppe

Ronald Lee Kleppe

Cedar Rapids

Ronald Lee Kleppe, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John XXIII Catholic Church by the Rev. Richmond Dzekoe. Burial: 2 p.m. Friday at St. Patrick Cemetery, Fairfax. A rosary will be recited on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. Those not attending the rosary, may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at

the funeral home. A visitation will also be held on Friday at the church after 9:30 a.m.

Ronald Lee Kleppe, son of Lawrence Kleppe and Lavera (Kintzel) Kleppe, was born on July 14, 1941, on a rural farm near Clarence, Iowa, in the same room as his dad. He was the oldest of three children and grew up helping on the family farm. He attended schools in Clarence and Lowden and played basketball. He graduated in 1959.

He met Berniece Beran in 1965. It took until June 1, 1968, to get married because the Army called him and she waited for him. Ron graduated from the University of Iowa with an accounting degree in 1972. He received his CPA in 1973 while working at McGladrey Hansen and Dunn. He went on to work for Veterinary Specialties, but then worked his last 20 years for Lloyd Table Company until retirement in 2005. He was an accountant by heart. There was never a month when his checkbook wasn’t balanced to the penny.

Ron was a proud father of his two sons and supported all their activities and sporting events. He coached them in sports when they were young and was a Boy Scout leader as they grew up. He traveled many miles to watch each of his sons play college basketball. The boys could always look in the stands and see him, and in many cases hear him.

During retirement, he and Bernie continued their love for travel. Their adventures included numerous cruises and cross-country road trips to visit family and friends along the way. He was proud to have accomplished visiting all 50 states.

Ron took pride in maintaining his house, lawn and garden. He was part of a neighborhood card club that has lasted over 40 years and generated many laughs. He spent several years passionately researching his Ancestry back to Germany. Behind his serious demeanor, there was gentle giant that loved a good practical joke.

His greatest highlight in life was his grandchildren. He loved spending time playing games, watching their activities and sharing stories about his own life. He never missed the grandchildren’s birthdays or an opportunity to pass on his love for card playing and ice cream.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Lavera Kleppe; his brother, Rich and Rich’s wife, Marcia Kleppe; and his sister, Lois Clark.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Berniece Kleppe; son, Mark (Jackie); grandsons, Jared, Jack, Erik, Austin and Jake; great-grandsons, Gabriel, Zayden and Jackson of Minnetonka, Minn.; son, Michael (Deb); grandchildren, Erin, Ryan and Matthew of Urbandale, Iowa, and brother-in-law, Will Clark of Georgetown, Texas.

Memorial gifts will be given to St. John XXIII Catholic Church or and Camp Courageous in Ron’s memory.