Wallace Everett Cleppe, age 89, of Brooklyn, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, July 11, 2009 in Brooklyn following a brief illness. Funeral Services: 10:30 A.M. Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn, with Pastor Clair Kuntz officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn. A memorial fund has been established.

Wallace is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruthlene of Brooklyn; a son, Gary (Pat) Cleppe of Brooklyn; a daughter, Marcia Kilmer of Brooklyn; seven grandchildren, Chad (Pam) Kilmer of Kirksville, MO, Michele Kilmer Young (Trent) of Kirksville, MO, Darcy Kilmer Gashwiler (Alan) of Sioux City, Jocelyn Williams of Cedar Falls, Brian Beery of Waverly, Carrie Prugh of Cedar Falls, Paris Soboroff of Brooklyn; and a brother, Larry Cleppe, Ames. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lloyd Cleppe, and two sisters, Helen Lavent and Gladys Haase.

Wallace Everett Cleppe was born October 16, 1919 in Brooklyn, Iowa, the son of Pete L. and Carrie Weaver Cleppe. He attended Madison #7 school through 8th grade in rural Brooklyn and then graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1938. He served for 5 years as a sergeant in the Army during WWII which included time serving in the European Theatre. Wallace married Ruthlene Simmons on March 13, 1947 in Davenport, Iowa. He farmed his whole life around the Brooklyn area, retiring in 1962. His family was his life. For 25 years, Wallace and Ruthlene organized and hosted reunions for his army unit.