Kenneth R. Klepser "Ken"

Kenneth Roland Klepser, 99, of Bay City, our honorable and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle peacefully went Home to be with the Lord on May 16, 2023. He lived a good long life, but he was ready to join the love of his life in Heaven. Ken was born in Bay City on November 12, 1923 to the late Roland H. and Jessie Klepser. He was a graduate of Bay City Central. Ken and his younger sister each had best friends who were also brother and sister. After knowing each other since elementary school, Ken's sister talked him into going on a date with her best friend and their life together began. On October 19, 1946, Ken married Kathleen E. Schmidt. Together they shared nearly 70 lovely years, two sons and one daughter and countless memories. Sadly, Kath predeceased Ken on August 29, 2015. Ken proudly answered the call of his country and served in the US Army Corp. of Engineers during WWII in Italy and later in Korea. Upon discharge from the Army, Ken joined the Operating Engineers and was a 75 year member. Ken also served as a Bay City Police Officer from approximately 1955 until 1964. After leaving the Police Department, he spent the rest of his career as a crane operator. Ken was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and the Knights of Columbus. Ken was a skilled woodworker, from building step stools, cupboards, campers, and garages to carving birds. He was very artistic and he was successful with any task he undertook. Ken was always happiest when he was using his talents. He will be deeply missed, yet lovingly remembered for years to come.
Ken leaves to cherish his memory, his two sons, Michael and Thomas (Joni) and his daughter, Patricia (Paul) Bolander, his grandchildren, Dawn (Jon Kidd) Klepser, Tammie (George) Klepser-Lay, Kendra (Curt) Howard, Kevin (ThresaAnne) Klepser, Angela (Anthony) DiBiase, Bryan (Allexx) Bolander, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was welcomed home to Heaven by his brother Ronald (Bud) Klepser and his sister Merilyn Girard, his caring daughter-in-law Cheri, and his lovely granddaughter Kellie Jo.
Ken's family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Our Lady of Peace Parish (St. Mary's), from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, when the funeral mass will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Our Lady of Peace Parish. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.gephartfuneralhome.com .
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staffs of New Hope Bay and Hampton Skilled Nursing for the loving care they provided Ken. Rest in peace dear father and grandfather. May your soul find eternal peace and may your love continue to shine upon us all. You will forever be missed and cherished.