Kleppe, Dennis Alan

Dennis Alan Kleppe, 48, of Cedar Rapids, died at his home Saturday evening, May 28, 2011. Graveside services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Czech National Cemetery with the Rev. William Harnish officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, Cedar Rapids. Following the graveside services Wednesday, all are invited to the F.O.E. Aerie 2272, 1735 11th St. NW, Cedar Rapids.

Dennis is survived by his dad and devoted stepmom, Dave and Sharon Kleppe, Cedar Rapids; his brothers, Dave Jr. and Barbette Kleppe, Belleview, Fla., and Lenny Kleppe, Cedar Rapids; sisters, Dana Kleppe and Jerry Hernden, Cedar Rapids, Kathy and Gary Lane, Belleview, Fla., and Heidi and David Nida, Forney, Texas; best friend and girlfriend, Traci Sackman; stepchildren, Andrew and Lindsay Patterson; five stepgrandchildren; seven nieces; three nephews; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barb Kleppe; and grandparents, Ernest and Rodella Anderson and Victor and Lenora Kleppe.

Dennis was born August 10, 1962, in Cedar Rapids, to David Austin Kleppe Sr. and Barbara Ann (Anderson) Kleppe. He was a member of the first class to graduate from Metro High School in 1981. He worked at Siegel's Jewelry for 12 years and Marion Guns & Gold for 11 years, which provided Dennis with 23 years of experience in his chosen field. His dream became a reality when in September 2005, Dennis and his brother, Lenny, with the help of Anita Gordon, opened Kleppe Family Jewelry and Loan. This is a dream that will live on in honor of Barb and Dennis.

Being a friend of Bill W. for 10 years, Dennis built many lifelong friendships.

“If you knew him, you loved him.”