Lyle Kleppe

Kleppe, Lyle B. "Lum"

Madison: Lyle B. Kleppe, age 87, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012 at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born to Lauren and Marie (Hammerli) Kleppe on January 9, 1925 in Belleville, Wisconsin.

Lyle grew up in Belleville and graduated from high school in 1943. After graduation, he was inducted in to the U.S. Army for service in World War II. Lyle achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for action in Germany. After discharge from the Army, Lyle attended the University of Wisconsin graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor's degree. He was hired as a chemist by Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa where he met his future wife, Wanda Landon. They were married on Easter Sunday, in April of 1952 and moved to Madison later that year. Lyle was hired by the City Health Dept. as a Bacteriologist where he remained for 57 years becoming the longest serving employee in the history of the City of Madison.

Hard work defined Lyle's life not only in his profession but his personal life as well. Always active, he spent much of his time and energy helping others. Lyle and Wanda were among the original members of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church. Lyle was on the Board of Elders, ushered, and served in many ways over the years.

Lyle loved trees and planted many around his home. In addition, he enjoyed canoeing, woodworking, motorcycles, and camping on the Apostle Islands. Lyle will be remembered as a man with a great sense of humor, a devoted husband and a wonderful father.

Lyle is survived by his four children; Randall (Virginia) Kleppe of Jackson, MI, Rebecca (Daniel) Schneider of Annandale, VA, Lorna (Jeffrey) Schultz of Cottage Grove, WI, and Jennifer Kleppe of Madison, WI, seven grandchildren; Anna Kleppe, Ross Kleppe, Eric Schneider, Luke Schneider, Joel Schneider, David Schultz, Kimberly Schultz, a sister; Elaine (Norman) Schaller, and a brother; Floyd Kleppe. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years; Wanda, his parents, and a special aunt; Rosena Brunkow.

Funeral services will be held at the Church at Christ Memorial, 2833 Raritan Road, Fitchburg, on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jeffrey Meyer officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 630 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703 or to the Church at Christ Memorial, 2833 Raritan Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711. The family would like to thank Carol Tiemann and Caroline Ramsey for their visits which always lifted Lyle's spirits. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Nina Buske. She has been an extraordinary friend to Lyle and his family for 45 years.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him."
James 1:12