Harry John Klepsteen's Obituary
Harry John Klepsteen, 94, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Carol (Wallace), of 38 years at his side on June 26, 2023.
Harry, the eldest of four children, was born on June 30, 1928, to Harry and Margaret (Riddell) Klepsteen in Chicago, IL. He attended Mozart Grammar School and Kelvyn Park High School in Chicago. Growing up during the Depression, he cherished the summers he spent in Paddock Lake, WI with his grandparents and uncle (Jack Riddell). Uncle Jack became a revered mentor in his life: teaching him and encouraging him on his path to college at DePaul University, where he earned a B.S. in Commerce.
Harry served in the Illinois National Guard before being drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served in Graves Registration as part of the 171st Counter Intelligence Corps and United Nations. His war experiences were rarely discussed. We know that he was eligible for a Purple Heart after sustaining injuries from an explosion but did not complete the application.
His mother gifted him the love of music (and card games). There was always a piano in his home. He loved to sing as well. His distinctive tenor voice was part of a successful barbershop quartet group, the Impostors, who won third place in the 1965 international barbershop quartet competition. He continued to sing in retirement in the Cape Chorale Barbershop Chorus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFykDLJFFng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynYGBmHx3YM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isDq82UQW-
Harry worked in life insurance his entire career, starting in marketing before moving into regional management with Federal Life Insurance (Chicago and Battle Creek, MI), Bankers Life and Casualty (Des Moines, IA, and Denver, CO), and United Services Life Insurance Co. (Arlington, VA).
In 1966, he left Chicago, moving his family to Battle Creek, MI. In the early ’70s, the home he designed was completed on beautiful St Mary’s Lake. He loved to entertain and spend time out on his pontoon boat. He was president of the lake association one year and invested in the community. He enjoyed home projects, building several decks terraced down the hill to the lake. Years later, he designed and built a backyard garden retreat in Centreville, VA before retiring to Cape Coral, FL in June 1999.
Harry had a profound love of nature and animals. National Geographic Magazine and wildlife shows were a consistent part of his life, as well as historical shows and books.
Physical fitness was also an important part of his life. He was a member of the YMCA throughout his career, routinely running after work every day. Even in his later years, he walked every day and viewed exercise as vital to good health and well-being.
Harry was an adviser and mentor to so many people in his work and personal life. He had an admirable mastery of the English language and viewed education as a pillar to attaining one’s full potential. He valued hard work, self-reliance, and the value of a man’s word. He will be deeply missed by all who loved and respected him.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Klepsteen; children, Claudia (Dan Howard) Lewis of The Villages, FL, John Klepsteen of New Richmond, OH, and Holly (Bill) Stewart of Highlands Ranch, CO; grandchildren, Adam Klepsteen, Samantha (John) Fearing, Robert (Bridget) Klepsteen, Kyle Stewart, Alea Barber, Morgan (Logan) Jurgens, and Anna (Anderson) Done; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Guy Klepsteen; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and relatives who were dear to him.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret Klepsteen; first wife, Betty Klepsteen; sisters, Barbara Booe and Margaret “Peggy” (Richard) Kwarcinski; and daughter-in-law, Sabrina Klepsteen.
Friends and family met on July 1st in lieu of his 95th birthday to celebrate his life. A memorial service was held in Prescott, AZ on August 26, 2023 during a family gathering with Carol’s family. All family and friends are invited to attend an official celebration of Harry’s life on December 16, 2023 in Cape Coral, FL. Please reach out to the family if you would wish to attend but have not received information by October 1st.
Harry will be interred at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens in Fort Myers, FL in late December.
What’s your fondest memory of Harry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harry?
Share a story where Harry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harry you’ll never forget.
How did Harry make you smile?