Sharon Kleppinger

Sharon Gayle (Nitschke) Kleppinger, 71 of Ellendale, ND died February 20, 2024 at Benedictine Living Community, Ellendale. Visitation begins at 5pm with a prayer service is 6:30pm Friday, March 8 at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. The memorial service is 11am Saturday, March 9 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Preus officiating. There will be a private burial. Sharon’s service will be live streamed here on her obituary page. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.

Sharon Gayle (Nitschke) Kleppinger, was born July 3, 1952 to Fred and Elsie Nitschke in Ellendale. As a young girl, she traveled with her family as her father’s work took them to many places. In 1970 she graduated from high school. She furthered her education at Long Beach State in Long Beach, CA. In 1977 Sharon married David Kleppinger. Through the years Sharon did daycare, and was employed at Cenex, Kedish House, Dickey Sargent Housing, Ellendale Hospital, TBC, and the Ellendale Bakery where they met. She loved riding motorcycles with Dave, bingo, and playing pinochle which she enjoyed until about 6 months before her death. At the nursing home, Sharon was the Resident Council President. She always had a smile and full of spit & vinegar. Sharon was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale and the Fireman’s Auxiliary for over 30 years. 

Sharon is survived by her daughter Michelle Ranee Kleppinger and granddaughters: Michaela Kleppinger and Mackenzie Gunn; special sons: Michael (Jeff) Vetsch, Phillip (Courtney) Vetsch, Matthew (Krystal) Vetsch and Billy “Goober” Vetsch; sisters: Janice (John) Stefanowicz, Patricia (Rick) Brewer, Diane (Doug) Ulmer, Janell Berg; brother Daryl (Tina) Nitschke; sister-in-law: Crystal (Merwin) Ulstead. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, aunts, uncles, sister: Darlene; brothers-in-law: Ronnie, Robbie, Bill, Bob and niece, Heidi.

To watch the service live: keep moving down this page and watch for a black box. At time of the service, click the red area to start the live stream. Please note the service is also recorded and saved here for viewing at a later time.