May 2, 2012

Lena Kleppen

Lena Kleppen, 83, of Watford City, N.D., more recently of Williston, N.D., found eternal peace on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston. Her Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012, at Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford City. Father John Pfeifer officiated and interment was held at Schafer Cemetery in Watford City. A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, at the Fulkerson Funeral Home Chapel in Watford City. Friends may sign the online register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com
Lena Kleppen, 83, found eternal peace on April 25, 2012. She was born at the family farm at Orrin, N.D., to Nick and Anna (Bachmeier) Linghor on Sept. 25, 1928. Lena was the eldest of nine children. She was educated in Orrin, N.D., where 8th grade was the highest grade Orrin provided.
Lena and Merle Kleppen got married on Oct. 30, 1956. They moved to Watford City, N.D., where they raised their four sons. Later in life, Lena went back to school while her son, Merlyn, was going to college and her youngest son, Dale, was a senior in high school. Lena and Dale graduated the same year. She was very proud that she was finally able to get her diploma.
Lena had a passion for plants. She took a lot of pride in watching her indoor plants flourish and also enjoyed her flower beds. For many years, she was on a bowling and dart team. She enjoyed traveling, including winter escapes to Las Vegas, Nev., or Tacoma, Wash., plus annual trips to Denver to visit family. A favorite thing to do was to go to the "Shrine" on Mondays with her friends. She also enjoyed daily breakfasts at TJ's with her friends. Lena looked forward to playing pinochle with friends, family, and her grandchildren. She also enjoyed baking and made the best apple or pumpkin pies, and "kuchen."
Lena is survived by her four sons, Gary (Mary) of Williston, N.D., Greg (Paula) of Watford City, N.D., Merlyn of Denver, Colo., and Dale (Brinda) of Watford City, N,D. She also has four surviving siblings, Mike (Georgina) of Williston, N.D., Esther Miller of Great Falls, Mont., Mary Eva Zettler of Denver, Colo., and Patty Miller of Tacoma, Wash. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; her infant son, Kevin Kim Kleppen; her brother, Jimmy Linghor; and three sisters, Gemma Reiger, Ida Reiger, and Bertha Bachmeier.
Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home of Watford City on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and an hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
 

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