David E. "Dave" Kleppinger

David E. “Dave” Kleppinger 65 of Ellendale, ND died June 26, 2017 at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale. Dave was born August 26, 1951 and adopted at 9 months old by Rev. Albert and Irene Kleppinger. He attended school in Denison, IA and graduated from Orange City High School. Dave later attended North Central Bible College, Minneapolis, MN and Trinity Bible Institute, Ellendale. After college, Dave began working at Hansen Short Arm Farms. On August 20, 1977, Dave married Sharon Nitschke at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale and Dave worked at John Deere in Ellendale. Through the years, he was also employed by Stan Hockhalter, Muckey Concrete, Mr. Merc, Thorpe Excavating and area farmers: Dick Olson and Earl Webster. After retirement, Dave helped Troy Olson and the City of Ellendale doing recycling. Dave was a member of Ellendale Fire Department for 30 years, the GoldWing Association, Lions Club, Pool and bowling leagues and pill pool at the Legion Hall in Ellendale. He especially enjoyed spending time watching his granddaughters grow up. Dave enjoyed the time he spent with his best friend Paul Veland. Together they enjoyed hunting, horses, and various family functions. Survivors include his wife: Sharon Kleppinger, Ellendale, ND; daughter: Michelle Ranee (Brandon) Gunn, Ellendale, ND; granddaughters: Michaela Lynn Kleppinger and Mackenzie Ruth Gunn, both of Ellendale, ND; sister: Crystal (Merwin) Ulstead of Nashville, TN; sister-in-law: Diane (Doug) Ulmer, Ellendale, ND, Janell Berg, Carson, CA, Janice (John) Stefanowicz , Ellendale, ND, Patricia (Bob) Bland, Marietta, CA; Brother-in-law: Daryl (Tina) Nitschke; special sons: Michael (Jeff) Vetsch, Matthew Vetsch, Phillip Vetsch, Billy “Guber” Vetsch. Dave is preceded in death by his parents. The funeral is 1:00pm Saturday, July 1 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Preus officiating. Visitation is 2-6:30pm Friday with a prayer service at 5:30pm at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.