Karen Kleppe

Karen Marie (Keily) Kleppe, 55, entered the glory of heaven with the love of God and her family by her side on November 25, 2019. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Friday, November 29, 2019 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Friday, November 29, 2019 at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Tappen with burial to follow at the Dawson Cemetery.  A celebration of Karen’s beautiful life will follow the burial at the Dawson City Hall.  All are invited to attend. 

Karen’s strength is unsurpassed, and she fought her 3 and a half year battle with cancer, demonstrating her grace and resilience. She was born to Dan and Lois (Robinson) Keily on November 23, 1964 in Medina, ND.  She was raised in Tappen in a loud and loving family. Karen graduated from Tappen High School in 1983.  She married the love of her life and her best friend, Lloyd Kleppe on October 12, 1984.  To this union two daughters were born, Ashley and Brittney, whom she loved with her whole heart. 

Karen had several jobs in Kidder County.  She worked at Elk’s Camp Grassick, Tappen School, The Coffee Cup, and BEK Communications.  She enjoyed each opportunity and developed lifelong friendships. 

Karen was active in the local community.  She was Alderwomen for the city of Dawson, served on the Dawson cemetery board and was a 4-H leader.  She was an active member of St Paul’s Catholic Church in Tappen, where she served as the president of the Altar Society, taught catechism and was trustee of the Parish Council up until the last weeks of her life.  Karen also helped found the Kidder County Angels. 

Karen lived her life in service to family and friends with a joyful heart and gentle spirit.  She was an example to us all and will be forever missed.  Karen is survived by her husband Lloyd, daughter and son-in-law Ashley and Patrick Mittleider, their children Taryn, Clayton, Claire, Allison and Madilynn; daughter and son-in-law Brittney and Eric Benson and their children Audrey and Colten. Surviving as well is her father Dan Keily, and siblings Nonnie (Bennett) Charbonneu, Mary (Vincent) Sprague, Bridget (Guy) Welch, Corky (Mark) Goldade, Mike (Michelle) Keily, Trish (Bill) Borzon, and her crother (cousin/brother) Eric (Karen) Anderson, as well as Lloyd’s siblings Anne (Tim) Herman, Harlan, Robert (Ruth), Korrine (Lonnie) Lang, Carmaine and Jerry (Tina).  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Waiting for her in heaven is her mother Lois, her brothers Ralph, Patrick and Danny,  grandparents, Dan and Mary Keily and Ralph and Lucille Robinson,  brother-in-law Martin Albertson,  in-laws Harold and Shirley Kleppe, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Karen developed deep and lasting friendships throughout her life due to her generous and loving heart.  She was very close with a special group of women who stood by her side and helped carry her cross.  This list is far too numerous to include here, but the family wants them to know their care is appreciated and adored.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St Paul’s Catholic Church of Tappen or the Kidder County Angels.

Karen loved color in all aspects of life.  She requested that attendees to her funeral wear bright colors  to express her joy in achieving heaven.

Karen lived in love and walked in faith, always thanking and praising God.  Hallelujah Amen.