Dorothy Mary Klepper, 88, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.
She was born on September 15, 1923 in Croatia in Yugoslavia, the daughter of Dako & Mara (Popovich) Magovac.
Dorothy immigrated from Croatia with her family in 1937 and became a U.S. citizen in 1945. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Klepper in Great Falls, Montana on April 3, 1948 and they made their home in Montana prior to moving to Sedro-Woolley in 1969.
Dorothy worked as a nurse’s aide at United General Hospital and at the Life Care Center, both in Sedro-Woolley, for many years.
She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she was an active volunteer, helping to clean the building, altar care and assist in any manner needed. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading and being with her grandchildren.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Donna Klepper, Blaine Klepper and his wife Linda, Byron Klepper and Rosalene Mitchell of Sedro-Woolley, and Glenna Olson and her husband, Conrad Wouters of Seattle. 3 grandchildren, Mike Klepper (Jessica), and Amy and Emily Mitchell; a brother, Nick, a sister Donitsa and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd; 2 brothers, Dako and Ilya; a step-son, Calvin Klepper and 2 sons-in-law, Gary Mitchell and Wayne Olson. The family suggests memorials be made to the Helping Hands Food Bank in Sedro-Woolley.
A time of visitation will be available from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday thru Thursday at Lemley Chapel followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 719 Ferry Street in Sedro-Woolley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sedro-Woolley on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. with Father Martin Bourke, Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery.
Glenna and family,
My prayers are with all of you at this time and I am grateful to your mother for having raised so many wonderful children, who have, in turn, become blessings to so many others. What a wonderful legacy to leave.
Dear Glenna,
My deepest condolence on the loss of your mother. I know she was a bright star in your life and a great role model. It is really hard, to have someone you love deeply, pass out of your life, especially your mother. I send my love and prayers to your family and their loved ones.
Hugs,
Joanne
Dearest Cousins,
So sorry to hear about Aunt Dorothy passing. I have many fond memories of her and Uncle “Mick”.
My sympathy goes out to you.
Love, Terri
We love you mom. Thank you for the kind and generous nature you demonstrated throughout your life — at home and work. You found joy in the small things and taught your children well. God Bless.
Dear cousins,
My deepest sympathies for the recent loss of your dear mother. I will always remember Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Mick whenever we would all get-together at grandma’s house…it was so many years ago, but seems like yesterday. I’m holding all of you close in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With love and hugs to each of you,
JUDIE
I along with my brother Byron helped to care for our mother in her home the last several years. Despite all her infirmities, she was such a pleasure to care for. We love you and miss you. Rest in the peace of God till we meet again. Byron and Donna.
Aunt Dorothy the memories of you and your family were some of my fondest…The family gatherings, the trips to Rudyard, the get togethers…the songs the kids would sing…”can’t rollerskate in a Buffalo herd” was one of my faves!! I honestly dont remember the last time I saw you, but you still had the same smile and gleam in your eye…you will be missed, but I would like to think that someday we will meet again…Now Klepper kids, I love and miss all of you and we should at least try to see each other at some point…none of us are getting any younger you know…we can all share the wonderful memories we have of our parents….be assured they are keeping a close eye on us…love to all and may these wonderful memories be of comfort to all at this time….
I think my Aunt Dorothy is the last of the original “Klepper Kids” and spouces, she was one of the spouces married my uncle “Mick” who was my dads brother, there was nine original “Klepper Kids” when we all got together we all had such wonderful times! Aunt Dorothy had a sence of humor, and you never knew as a little kid if she was serious or kidding with you!
I miss those times when uncle Mick and Aunt Dorothy and kids came to visit us.All the kids would have fun together playing.
I was so sad to hear Aunt Dorothy had passed. I feel for the kids who are left as they miss her very much, but Aunt Dorothy is finally reunited with the rest of the nine kids and spouces, and of course Uncle Mick.
I will pray for comfort and peace for all the family at this very sad and lonesome time for you all.
The love of your family near and far are thinking of you kids, stay strong and be happy for your mom she has a new body and is with our Lord! Love to all of you,
We love you Mom…. and will always remember your kindness and generosity. You appreciated the good fortune of living in beautiful Skagit Valley…….and now after 26 years you are again with Dad. A life well lived with nothing unspoken. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
I met Dorothy when I was student nurse at UGH in the early 70’s. And then worked with her at UGH after I received my license. She was a wonderful co-worker and I learned so much from her. She was great at what she did and cared so much for every patient. I am sorry for your loss.