Jerome Gerald Klepper was born on October 1, 1935 to Emil and Jessie Klepper in a little farmhouse in Great Oak Township near Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Jerome completed his journey and entered eternal life on June 9, 2024 with his wife of 66 years and family at his bedside, he was 88.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Jerome is survived by his wife Joan and his five children: Mark (Haydee), Miami, Fl, Stephen (Marie), Elgin, IL, Michael (Carmen), Miami Beach, FL., Ann Dietrich (Kevin), Fort Pierce, FL., Catherine Rustan (David) , Senoia, GA,, and his only brother Gary (Ginger), Emmetsburg, Iowa. He leaves behind 18 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren.
Upon graduation from Emmetsburg Catholic High School, he attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN for 2 years.
In 1955, he was one of 20,000 drafted into the peacetime US Navy where he served as Quartermaster 3rd Class on the USS Taluga. After two years in the Navy, he returned home to Emmetsburg and on October 12, 1957, married Joan Stebritz at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church in Algona, IA.
They farmed in Emmetsburg and raised 5 children. Jerome was a dedicated family man who treasured his family and did his best to attend their activities. Attending his girls golf matches and watching high school track, football and college games when his sons participated.
Along with farming in Iowa he was active and held offices in the Iowa Pork Producers, American Soybean Association as well as the National Corn Growers Association. He was an avid Rotarian and recipient of the Paul Harris award. Jerome was proud to hold an Honorary Life Membership in the Knights of Columbus, Emmetsburg Council 936, St. Rose of Lima.
Jerome began employment with Pioneer Hi-Bred, Intl. in October 1984 in Homestead, Fl. In 1989 he accepted a Research Manager position on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. There he managed both the Parent Seed and Research and Development operations. He continued in that capacity until they retired in 1999.
At that time they moved to Palm City FL to be closer to family. They lived there five years, then moved to Del Webb Golf and CC in Summerfield, FL where many years were spent golfing and traveling in their Bornfree RV. Visiting his hometown he always made a point to stop and see his old friends.
Jerome was an avid gardener and loved his flowers, you could find him most mornings in his garden cultivating his beautiful roses. He was a protector and and rescuer of the Monarch Butterflies.
They moved to Port St. Lucie in 2021 because of health issues and to be closer to family.
The family would like to thank the Treasure Coast Hospice personnel for the care and compassion shown to him during his year long vigil.
A funeral Mass will be offered on July 10th at 10 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, FL.. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian St. Stuart, FL. 34997
