Roger Wayne Kleppe passed away at the age of 82 on June 4, 2026 in his home in Norco, California. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Butte, ND with Pastor Emmy Swedlund officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Balfour Cemetery in Balfour, ND following the reception. 

He was born on April 24, 1944 in North Dakota. He married the love of his life, Rheta Gayle Kleppe (Olson) on March 6, 1965. She preceded him in death, passing away on November 1, 2005. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Edith Kleppe and his siblings, Arnold, Lyle, Loren, Bernadine (Giedd), Keith, and Richard, and his daughter, Michelle. He is survived by his three sons, Stuart, Vincent, and Mark, his grandchildren, Benjamin, Aspen (Bridges), Jacob, Jared, and Luke, and one sister, Iris (Hemphill).

Roger was a structural welding contractor who in his spare time loved riding horses, camping, shooting, and being in the outdoors. He moved to Norco, California in 1979 with his wife and four children. He was often seen on the horse trail riding one of the many horses they owned. He would take his children to a campground that allowed horses when they were younger. He would also place his grandchildren, especially his granddaughter, Aspen, in front of him, and ride off into the sunset on the trails in Norco.

Roger had quiet strength. His actions spoke louder than his words. He showed his love and devotion to his family through his actions. When his third son, Mark, was born with spina bifida, he did not falter. He gathered the strength to continue to take his children on adventures. When his wife, Rheta, passed away, he became the primary caregiver for Mark. Roger also loved his grandchildren. He may not have told them, but his face would light up when they came to visit him. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.