Evelyn Jean Malkuch Kleppelid, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 21, 2016.
Jean was born on May 8, 1932 to Ernest and Dora Malkuch in Glendive. Jean was one of twelve children who grew up on a family farm where hard work and love were plentiful. Jean graduated high school in Glendive. Jean was working for Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Glendive when she moved to Circle to help start Faith Assembly of God Church. There she met her husband, Wayne Kleppelid and his five young boys. Wayne and Jean were married on September 14, 1963; through that union, two more boys were added. Wayne and Jean knew no strangers and everyone felt loved and welcomed in their home. Jean loved to cook, especially her boys’ favorite meal, scalloped potatoes.
Jean was a loving and caring wife, mother, daughter and sister, who was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents; and her eleven siblings.
Jean is survived by her seven sons: Chuck (Betty) of Hurst, Texas; Donnie (Debbie) of Huntsville, Texas; Lyle (Vicky) Kleppelid of Jackson, Miss.; Kevin (Kim) of Baker; Darrel of Circle; Todd (Tonya) of Circle; and David (Emmie) of Helena. Jean had seventeen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, who all remember Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies that she made by the “feel” of the dough rather than a recipe. Jean was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Circle. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Circle is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevnesonandsons.com.