August J. “Gus” Cleppe, 87, of Marion, died Monday, March 5, 2012 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 9, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion. The family will greet friends 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, where a vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m. The family will also greet friends one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his son, George (Kathie) Cleppe; grandchildren, Scott Cleppe, Tami Smith, Todd (Maria) Cleppe, Robin (Jeff) Blackford, Nathan Bast, David (Nicole) Bast, Cassandra Bast, and Mitchell Mills; 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mary Tomas, Teresa Rund.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; a daughter, Milissa Watson; a great-grandson, Brock Smith; three brothers; and one sister.
Gus was born December 12, 1924 in Brooklyn, Iowa, the son of Amiel and Della (Remery) Cleppe. He was a United States Navy veteran, having served as a Gunner during WWII. Gus married Mary Corum on February 19, 1944. He worked as a supervisor with Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids for over 40 years. Gus was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion, and Marion American Legion Post # 298. He enjoyed his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy: 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA, 52233, in Gus’ memory.