Verle Harvey Kleppe

Verle Harvey Kleppe, a cherished member of the Bennett, Iowa community, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, on December 12, 2025—just days shy of his 84th birthday.

Born December 16, 1941, in Bennett, Verle was the son of Harvey John Adam Kleppe and Jeanette Lillian (Fox) Kleppe. He graduated from Bennett High School and dedicated his life to farming, a true labor of love that he carried on from his father and shared with his family.

On July 23, 1964, Verle married his beloved wife, Nancy Lynn (Klahn) Kleppe, in Wheatland. Their partnership was a testament to love and commitment, providing a nurturing home for family and friends alike. The two first met while riding horses and dancing at Hi‑Way Gardens in Stanwood, bonding over joys that would remain central to their life together.

Verle served his country in the United States Army from December 5, 1963, until his honorable discharge on September 8, 1965. As a Military Policeman, his size and stature may have looked intimidating, but he never once had to draw his weapon—his friendly, jolly, and hard‑working nature spoke louder than force.

A farmer to the core, Verle planted and harvested crops, raised and milked dairy cattle, and cared for hogs, horses, chickens, and more. Farming was a family affair: Verle and Nancy, alongside their children Ross, Verlynn, and Anne, spent countless hours together in the barn morning and night, milking cows and tending livestock. They all rode horses together, and the kids proudly showed dairy cattle at the fair—memories that became life lessons in hard work, responsibility, and family bonding.

Beyond farming, Verle enjoyed playing cards—especially Sheephead with friends at the Clarence Legion Hall—and was a long‑time ring‑man for the Cedar County 4‑H and Saddle Club Horse Shows. He was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Verle’s quiet strength and gentle demeanor touched the lives of many. He was a proud member of the American Legion, the Cedar County Saddle Club, Peace Church of Christ United in Bennett (where he served on the church council), the White Pigeon Board, and was a devoted supporter of 4‑H.

Verle is survived by his wife, Nancy; son Ross (Jill) Kleppe; daughters Verlynn (David Brook) Kleppe and Anne (Shawn) Kosel; sister‑in‑law Sharon Kleppe; grandchildren Haley (Justin) Speth, Tanner (Randi) Kleppe, Alyssa Brook, and Eliza Brook; and great‑grandchildren Kynlee Speth, Gentry Speth, Stetson Speth, and Murphy Kleppe. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Loren Kleppe and Ardell Kleppe.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Peace Church of Christ United in Bennett, with burial at Inland Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Bennett’s American Legion Hall.

Memorials may be directed to Peace Church of Christ United or Bennett’s American Legion. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.