Donald F. Kelpe

Donald Fredrick Henry "Don" Kelpe, 76, of Cape Girardeau, MO, went home to be with his heavenly Father Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at his home in Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born on the family farm January 28, 1936 in Cape Girardeau County , MO to Arthur L. and Helen Louise Bertling Kelpe . He was baptized and confirmed at Old Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau and attended Old Hanover School. He graduated high school from College High in Cape Girardeau. He and Diane Kimmich Kelpe were married May 29, 1993 in Cape Girardeau at Old Hanover Lutheran Church. Upon his retirement Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. He had lived his whole life on the Kelpe family farm and in his youth worked the Kelpe Dairy Farm alongside his parents and siblings. Don started out working for Ameren UE as a laborer becoming foreman and then retiring as the supervisor over the Gas Department.. He had served his country 17 years as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a member of Hanover Lutheran Church. Survivors include Wife - Diane Kelpe, Cape Girardeau, MO Son - Bruce (Lauren) Kelpe, Ruston, LA Son - Joseph (Annette) Kelpe, Jackson, MO Daughter - Jill (Jason) Morrow, Shelbyville, KY Daughter - Christy (Jeff) Bebej, Shorewood, IL Brother - Gerald (Bonnie) Kelpe, Cape Girardeau, MO Brother - James (Jeanne) Kelpe, Cape Girardeau, MO Sister - Dorothy Gray, Canton, IL Many nieces and nephews and special friends, Richard Meyer of Cape Girardeau, Ed Hamilton of Cape Girardeau, and Deborah Griffin of Jackson, Mo. Grandchildren: Lance Kelpe, Morgan Kelpe, Zeke Kelpe, Alexa Kelpe, Hunter Kelpe, Landon Morrow, Maggie Morrow, Carson Morrow, Brett Bebej, Kyle Bebej, and Kalyn Bebej. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Verna Gross and Ruth Heuer, and a niece, Robin Gross. Visitation will be Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 4-8pm at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel. Funeral will be Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 1:30pm at the Old Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Barry Pfanstiel officiating. Burial will follow at Hanover Church Cemetery in Cape Girardeau with military rites by Missouri Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be given to Old Hanover Lutheran Church Fund or Good Shepherd Lutheran Bldg. Fund.

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Donald F. Kelpe

February 15, 2012