Mike Klepper

There is only one person that Michael Klepper would have wanted to tell the story of his life, and that person is… Michael Klepper. Who else could capture his quick wit, adventurous spirit and larger than life personality? Alas, like so many other notable men in history, this task now must fall to the women in his life - a fact that we believe would have both exasperated and delighted him equally. And so with that, let us set the scene.

The year was 1951. The place was Kalamazoo, Michigan, a thriving midwestern city with a strong sense of community and industry. During this influential time, Gerald and JoAnne (Wolfe) Klepper were thrilled to announce the birth of their first child, Michael Steven who was born at Borgess Hospital on March 2nd.

Mike’s father worked on the railroad and in real estate, and his mother was a homemaker, beloved throughout the neighborhood for her unique, from-scratch birthday cakes and creative hand-made costumes. Over the years the Klepper family continued to grow, and Mike became a big brother to Thomas and Amy. It was here that Mike’s love of music began to take root, during evenings spent singing with his mom while doing the dishes.

Mike began singing in the boys choir at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where he later was selected to become a member of The Singing Lads, a select group of vocalists chosen from the larger choir. This was a formative experience that brought lifelong pride, and afforded him lasting memories and friendships.

When Mike was twelve, the family suffered a devastating loss with the death of his mother, JoAnne, a moment that shaped the rest of his life. As time went on, he was able to find solace in his love for his siblings and further immersed himself within his choir family.

His love for music and performance carried on into his high school years, where he was involved in theatre, choir and the swim team. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1969, before going on to attend Western Michigan University. While living in Kalamazoo he dove into all aspects of theatre from acting to directing and even special effects and technical craft at the Civic Theatre and other local venues. He later served as a board member for the Civic Theatre.

Mike’s professional career brought him to Florida, where he put his sharp mind to good use. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master's Degree in Information Technology from Barry University. He lived for ten years in Florida and was proud to have developed computer programs for the city of Wilton Manors.

Mike then spent more than thirty years in St. Louis, Missouri, building a wonderful life for himself and his family. He worked for Environmental Systems Research Institute, developing and marketing geographic programs for cities and businesses. He loved the problem-solving side of his work and excelled in the career.

Of all the roles he held in life, Mike was always most grateful for being a father. His daughter, Sara, was his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved to make her laugh, and would stop at nothing to do so. Much to her chagrin, he would often brag of her accomplishments to friends, family or anyone who would listen.

A renaissance man through and through, whether he was shooting skeet, casting a fly line at Busch Wildlife or tending to his yard, Mike was happiest spending time outdoors. Eager to master all technical areas of his craft, he enjoyed learning how to hand tie flys and load his own shot gun shells. He also enjoyed volunteering his time with the Knights of Columbus at the local Renaissance Faire pub, where he could be found dressed head to toe in full costume.

At his 50th class reunion, he reconnected with his life-long friend from childhood, Carolyn Golliher Youker. As a young boy, Mike had attended Carolyn’s seventh birthday party and declared then that he was going to marry her. As fate would have it, their relationship blossomed from friendship to romance. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Mike and Carolyn were married on October 28, 2022. Through the union, his family grew to include his step-daughter, Kelly, and her family.

Mike and Carolyn purchased a home in Mattawan that they decorated together. They loved spending their time on local lakes in their custom canoe, or watching old movies and reminiscing about their years together as children.

In 2024 Mike became a grandfather to Sara and Chris’ daughter, Blakely. He adored his grandkids. His family was truly his biggest blessing in life.

Never one to sit still for long, Mike pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was a member of the Gun River Clay Target Club, and he looked forward to his Sunday mornings spent shooting Five Stand. Always one to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, he looked forward to ending his evenings with a good book, cigar and cocktail in hand.

In the end, Michael Klepper lived a life defined by curiosity, humor, and a deep, unwavering love for his family. He left behind a legacy of kindness, cleverness, and countless memories filled with laughter — many of which he probably would’ve preferred we kept to ourselves. He may have teased us for taking on the job of telling his story, but we know he would’ve been touched to see it told with such love. In the quiet moments — around the dinner table, out on the lake, or in the chorus of a favorite song — his presence will always be felt. And yes, it’s the women in his life, his fiercest fans and now his storytellers, who will make sure that his story is never truly finished.

Members of his family include his wife Carolyn; his daughter Sara, her husband Chris Saul and their daughter Blakely; Step daughter Kelli her husband Mike Cruz, and their daughters Ashley and Alli; siblings: Amy and her husband Dale Wetzel, Tom and his wife Laura Klepper; Brothers-in-law Robert (Heidi) Golliher, David Golliher; Sister-in-law Barbara Golliher; many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be Monday, Oct 13 at 11:00 AM at St Luke’s Episcopal Church. Celebrate Mike’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Magic House.