In Loving Memory
Gary J. Klepper
June 19, 1941 – March 4, 2025
VISITATION
Friday, March 28, 2025
4:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, March 29, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
CELEBRANT
Rev. John Thomas
DEACON
John Rudd
Gary was born on June 19, 1941, in Emmetsburg, Iowa to Emil and Jessie (Jennings) Klepper. He was baptized at Assumption Parish and attended Emmetsburg Catholic School where he graduated in 1959. Upon graduation, Gary joined the Army Reserves before returning to Emmetsburg to help run the family farm with his dad and brother, Jerome.
On July 4, 1962, Gary married Virginia (Ginger) Lee Garber at Assumption Catholic Church, and together they built a loving family. They raised five children who cherished celebrating their parents wedding anniversary every year at their family cabin, a tradition filled with love and laughter.
Gary farmed on the family land west of town for 30 years. After moving into town in 1992, he worked at Terra and Kerber Milling while continuing to help with harvest each year, driving the grain cart on his beloved farm.
An outdoorsman at heart, Gary could often be found at the gun range, hunting, fishing, or enjoying coffee with his buddies. He was a passionate gun collector, an avid hunter, and an accomplished trap shooter, competing in events across the Midwest. Running the chains at high school football games for 43 years was another of his favorite pastimes.
In their later years, Gary and Ginger spent winters in sunny Texas, where he could often be found soaking up the sun with a good western novel in hand. They also loved road-tripping across the U.S. and Canada, visiting friends, family, and historical sites. More than anything, Gary treasured time with his loved ones. His deep love for his wife, family, and friends was evident in all he did, and he will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerome. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia; Children: Tim (Amanda) Klepper, Todd Klepper, Lisa (Brent) Lott, Amy (Travis) Stewart and Jill (Todd) Jones; Grandchildren: Kayla (Jeff) Heidinger, Ben (Adriana) Lott, Max (Samara) Klepper, Jessie (David) Lake, Claire and Leo Faulkner and Cassie Jones; Great Grandchildren: Henny Heidinger and Skylar and Harper Lott.
We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Parc Hall. We greatly appreciate all who cared for him in his time of need.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
martinmatticefuneralhome.com