Doris Kleppe, 86, of West Union, IA, died on May 11, 2026 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union.
Doris Jean Jorgenson was born in Stanley, Iowa to Rose Marie (Heller) and Oscar Jorgenson. She was the youngest of six siblings. Growing up, she spent a lot of time on the family farm with her siblings and her dogs.
She married Gordon Laverne Kleppe on June 1, 1958 at Bethel Presbyterian Church. They were married for 61 years, until Gordon’s passing in 2020. They loved to regularly travel to California and Arizona to visit family. They also loved traveling to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where Doris attended school for a time and where her father was from. The area held a special place in their hearts because of the many friends and family they had there. They had many routines together, including a weekend trip to Decorah every Saturday morning for many years.
Doris and Gordon both worked at the United Methodist Church doing custodial work for many years.
In her free time, she was a very active member of her church, participating in Lydia Circle, Manna, and Bible study. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, her dog, and her son, Chris. She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing and knitting, watching cable TV, and sitting out on the front porch enjoying the day. She was known for her loving kindness and unwavering care for others.
Doris is survived by her children, Chris Kleppe and Cindy (Ron) Ward, and her grandchildren, Sydney Hauer, Saige (Chase) McCleish and Tanner Ward. She was predeceased by her parents, Rose Marie and Oscar Jorgenson, her siblings, Edwin, Adeline, Clarence (Marilyn) Jorgenson, Edna Jorgenson, and Elna (George) Campbell, children Kevin Kleppe and Carrie Hauer, and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am with a visitation from 9:00 am until 10:30 am on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. HyeunMee Kang as the officiant.
Burial will follow at the West Union City Cemetery.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support Chris Kleppe, or to Gundersen Palmer Hospice in West Union.