Sona Lea Kleppe

Sona Lea Kleppe was born in Benson, MN on October 22, 1940. Over her next 81 years, she would go on to live a life of faith, gratitude and love that centered around her family and friends.

Even at an early age, Sona gave of her time, helping care for her younger sister Sandi. After graduating from Richfield High School, Sona met Tom Kleppe and it was the start of a beautiful journey that was a testament to their love for each other and their family.

After stops in Minnetonka, Fairfax and Northfield, they settled in West St. Paul. There Tom and Sona established life-long friendships as their children Jody, Kris and Matt grew up. After spending time in New Richmond and Princeton, they settled in Plymouth after retiring. In addition, Sona and Tom created memorable places for their family at their lake cabin in Perham and in Florida.

Sona had a successful career in the banking and mortgage business for many years. She was involved in a variety of groups and activities ranging from church and volunteering to mahjong and book club. She had many hobbies including cooking, gardening, golfing, sewing and knitting. Above all, Sona loved being a grandmother and great grandmother. She was a connector of people who lived a selfless life of caring for others, while using her skills to create memories for her family. While we mourn her passing, we rejoice in her impactful life.  Well done Sona, thou good and faithful servant.

Sona was preceded in death by her father, Carl Draisey, mother Annetta Low, stepfather Norbert Low, husband Tom Kleppe, and sister Sandi Draisey.

She is survived by brother Darwin (Danita) Draisey, Hudson, WI, step-brother Jim Low, Thailand, her children, Jody (Blair) Horner, Fremont, NE, Kris (Darrell) Olson, Fargo, ND, Matt (Sue) Kleppe, Champlin, MN, grandchildren, Anna (Matt) O’Reilly, Fremont, NE, Sam Horner, Wichita, KS, Erik (Victoria) Olson, Fargo, ND, Peder Olson, Chicago, IL, Jason Kleppe, Champlin, MN, Corinne Kleppe, Champlin, MN and great grandchild, Charlotte O’Reilly, Fremont, NE.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Sona Kleppe Scholarship at Midland University in Fremont, NE.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 23 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N (@ Vicksburg Lane).

Memorial Service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, Nov. 24 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 7401 County Rd 101, Maple Grove, with visitation one hour prior to the service.