Marguerite D. Kleppinger

Marguerite D. Kleppinger, 98, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, former Lexington and Beatrice resident, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2014, at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg. She was born August 14, 1916, in Kansas City, Missouri, to George and Juanita (Hopkins) Davidson. Marguerite moved with her parents as an infant to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She attended school in Tulsa and graduated from high school in 1935. Shortly thereafter she moved to Detroit, Michigan where she attended Business college. She went to work in the Marine Hospital in Detroit doing office work. This is where she met her future husband, Phil. The couple was married August 31, 1940, in Brandenburg, Kentucky. Upon Phil’s deployment during the War, Marguerite moved to Beatrice. Nebraska. Phil was a respected dentist in Beatrice until his death in 1979. She continued to live in Beatrice until moving to Lexington in 2007, to be near her son and daughter-in-law. She first made her home at Park Avenue Estates in Lexington, then Elwood Care Center, and passed away while living at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg. Marguerite was a busy lady throughout the years. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, playing bridge, Fort Knightly Book Club, and volunteering at the Bargain Box. Her greatest love in life was being with family and friends. She was a member of First Christian Church in Beatrice as well as a friend of Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington, where she enjoyed Bible Study. She was also a past member of the Red Cross and YMCA Board of Directors and a member of Job’s Daughters. Marguerite is survived by a son and wife, Phil and Marlene Kleppinger of Elwood, Nebraska; two daughters, Deborah and husband Don Buckholz of Platte City, Missouri and Barbara Essman of Omaha, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Phil; grandson, Jason Kleppinger; son-in-law, Gary Essman and great-grandson, Max Pierce. The family has honored Marguerite’s wishes for cremation. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska Monday, December 22, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend David Bigley officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.