Georgena Dennise “GeGe” Kleppe, 60, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly early Friday morning, July 4, 2014, at her home.
GeGe was born at Waltham, Mass., August 7, 1953, the eldest of two children born to Dean and Frances “Fran” Shockley Bailey and had lived in Hiawatha most of her life.  In 1958, the family moved from the Leavenworth area to Hiawatha, where GeGe grew up, attended schools, later graduating from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1971.  She started working for the state of Kansas, now known as Department of Children and Family Services (formerly SRS) for 28 years.  She has held various positions in the department currently serving as office manager at her death.
She was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church of Hiawatha.
GeGe married Bruce Kleppe, January 25, 1974, at the Zion Church.  He survives.
Also surviving are her father Dean of Hiawatha; Karma (Chad) Langford of St. Joseph, MO, Gilay (Richard) Allen of Billings, MT; a brother Steven Bailey of Sarasota, FL; and 10 grandchildren.  Also surviving are her mother in law and father in law Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kleppe of Hiawatha; and a sister in law Debra (Jim) Ewing, also of Hiawatha.
GeGe was preceded in death by her mother Fran Bailey.
A Celebration of GeGe’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Zion Lutheran Church of Hiawatha, with Reverend Michael Dunaway officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Tuesday where the family will meet with friends from 6 – 8 that evening.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.
A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com