Vernon William "Bill" Kloepping, 93, of rural Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family, in the same house he was born.
He was born June 25, 1920, in the Lexington area to David R. and Hazel Mae (Doughty) Kloepping. Bill attended primary school at District #59 and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1937. He was united in marriage to Evangeline "Van" Lindblade on October 22, 1944, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. One son and three daughters were blessed to this marriage; Douglas William, Sally Jolene, Janelle Sue, and Lisa Diane.
Bill was then called to serve his Country in the United States Navy for almost two years. He took his basic training at the Great Lakes and then served on the largest tanker in the world, at that time, the USS Tolovana and attained the rank of Fireman 1st Class. He was in the South Pacific area and experienced many typhoons, but enjoyed being in China and Japan. Upon his return to the states he farmed for the rest of his life.
Always active and wanting to serve he spent 75 years as a 4-H leader and mentor; he was a faithful member of Calvary Assembly of God Church. He served on many boards throughout the years; namely, the Dawson County Fair Board for 32 years; Farm Bureau Board, District #59 school board, the Coop Board, Treasurer of the Heritage Tour, and on the board for over 35 years of Central Plains Home Health & Hospice.
Bill also assisted Don Lahm in his auctioneering business. He never knew a stranger, was a loving, kind, and considerate man who treasured his family above all things. His family was his life and his love and he will be so very missed.
Survivors include his wife of almost 70 years, Van of Lexington, Nebraska; son, Douglas and wife Barb Kloepping of Lexington, Nebraska; daughters, Sally and husband Doug Nichols of Kearney, Nebraska; Janelle and husband Jim Hawks of North Platte, Nebraska; and, Lisa and Husband Jim Davis of Thornton, Colorado; eleven grandchildren, Shon Kloepping of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jason and wife Dannette Kloepping of Bartley, Nebraska; Trent and wife Brandi Kloepping of Gothenburg, Nebraska; Chad and wife Jenny Fischer of Grand Island, Nebraska; Shannon and husband Jeff Anderson of Littleton, Colorado; Shiloh Nichols and fiancé Josh Martinez of Littleton, Colorado; Collin and wife Kate Nichols of Kearney, Nebraska; Matt and wife Briana Hawks of North Platte, Nebraska; Nate Hawks of North Platte, Nebraska; Jed Davis of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and, Kayla Davis of Thornton, Colorado; nineteen great-grandchildren; Kirsten, Austin, Jayden, Kinsley, Ryann, Hadley, Zaveri, Mike, Landon, Lucas, Carson, Kyler, Corinne, Case, Siahna, Aiden, Macie, Ellie, and Leila.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Roy; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and Harold Fagot and Lindy and Gene Curtis.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Lexington with Pastor Rex Adams officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery Lexington.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.
Memorials are suggested in his memory to the Dawson County 4-H Scholarship Fund or Central Plains Home Health and Hospice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
