James “Jim” R. Kalepp, age 81, of Owen, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, April 2, 2018 at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Withee. Rev. Donald Bruce will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements.
James was born on September 14, 1936, the son of Otto and Irene (Kaage) Kalepp in the Town of Bern, Marathon County. After his mother passed away, his father remarried Florence Frane. He attended Athens schools and enlisted in the U. S. Navy stationed in California. On September 12, 1959, James was united in marriage on to Karen Krueger in Milan. Together they raised four wonderful children. He was a farmer, truck driver and white washing barns. James also worked on the Branson showboat in Branson, MO as a cook.
James was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed snowmobiling, horse riding, tractor pulls, fishing and hunting. Most importantly, James cherished his family.
James is survived by his wife, Karen of 58 wonderful years; three children: Gloria (Rich) Blum, Jamie (Keith) Hack and Daniel (Audra) Kalepp; 11 grandchildren: Doug (Susie) Kalepp, Chad (Manilath) Schillinger, Chris Schillinger, Rich (Emily) Blum, Jr., Joe Blum, David (Maranda) Blum, Jessica (Aaron) Mull, Julie (Tim) Nelson, Justin (Adria) Pagel, Dana Kalepp and Sheena Kalepp; 18 great-grandchildren: Austin, Walker, Jeffery, Nari, Mali, Emi, MaKenna, Ellie, Mikaela, Payton, Gracie, Gabriella, Vivian, Clara, Henry, Evelyn, William and Dayne. He is further survived by three sisters: Elvera (Dave) Kulas, Betty (Kenny Schaffler) Bunkleman and Janice Bunkleman Houts; a step-brother, Howard (Gerri) Frane; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother; his son, Jimmy; his sister, Nancy Bunkleman; four brothers-in-law: Chuck, Russell, Al and Harold. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.