James “Jim” Arlan Klepper was born Sept. 2, 1953 to Arlan and Darlene (Gocke) Klepper in Fort Knox, Kentucky.
He attended Centennial High School, graduating in 1971. Jim spent several years working at the Co-op in Utica and Tamora, where he made lasting friendships. After suffering a stroke at the age of 37, he found joy in the little things – piecing together puzzles and cherishing the time he spent with his kids and grandkids. He loved hearing their laughter and stories.
Jim enjoyed Husker football and Royals baseball, never missing a game if he could help it. Jim passed away Oct. 10, 2025, in Osceola, at the age of 72.
He is survived by his children, Crystal (Steve) Lankford of Utica, Bridget (Kevin) Daehling of Red Cloud, Andy (Cindy) Klepper of Wahoo and Kim (Derek) Baloun of Shelby; grandchildren, Kalvin Lankford, Clay (Jessey) Delcoure, Morgan Lankford, K.J. Daehling, Dawson Baloun, Brayden Klepper, Lexi Daehling, Kaiylen Baloun, Hadley Klepper, Derek Baloun, Jr., Kasen Klepper; great-grandchild, Kolton Turner-Lankford; brother, John (Lorrie) Klepper of Utica; niece, Jill Goedeken; and nephew, Ryan Klepper. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arlan and Darlene Klepper.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home with a gathering of family and friends from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Thursday, Oct. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Osceola with committal at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery near Utica.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
