Hugh Manly Klepzig

Hugh M. Klepzig was born June 17, 1926 to Allen and Mary Eaves Klepzig in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2014 surrounded by loved ones present and those already gone. At a young age his family moved to Shannon County in Missouri closer to his father's family. Hugh's grandmother was Keziah Rader whose family farm lives on and is one of the 100-year farms in Missouri. His family moved to Montana in 1936 where Hugh was raised by the Ragsdale and Lemmon families. At age 18 he joined the army during WW II and was assigned to the Pacific until he was honorably discharged at the end of the war.

After the army he worked at various jobs until he met the love of his life, Mona Wilson. They were married in 1949 and had five children, Robert, Rodney, Sandra, Sharon (Penny), and Soni. Hugh went to work for the Montana State Highway Department and in 1960 the family chose to make their home in Cut Bank.

Hugh was known for chauffeuring Mona and our family to wrestling matches, football games, baseball games, and horse competitions wherever they might have been. He was affectionately known as Hughie, Uncle Hughie, Gramps, Poppa, Grandpa "Cube", and our favorite, "Dad." As grandchildren were born, they went everyplace with Grandpa and Grandma, too. There was always room for everyone and no trip was too far!

Hugh enjoyed his job as an engineer for the Highway Department. He loved working outside where he could enjoy beautiful vistas, rolling hills, and the mountains in the distance. Hugh retired from the Highway Department in 1985. After that he began delivering several routes of the Great Falls Tribune. Many people still remember him as the dependable "paper boy" for the tribune. Even after he stopped delivering, he would continue to receive calls complaining about the new carrier.

Dad could appear stoic on the outside; everyone knew he was full of love for family and friends. His favorite activity after Mom passed was watching his kids and their families laughing and enjoying each other. People and family who knew him well remember his caring, acceptance, compassion, and gentle nature.

Hugh is survived by his son, Rodney Klepzig (Jan), daughters Sandra Klepzig McNeese (Perry), Penny Klepzig Hansen (J), and Soni Zarn (Randy). He also leaves behind several grandchildren: Kimberley, Grant, James, Cody, Inez, Sierra, Chad, Joel, Michalle, Tyler, Colter, Kayla, and Kenzie; great grandchildren, Connor, Griffin, Porter, Grayson, Nash, and Knox. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his wife Mona, his oldest son Robert, and his granddaughter Cassidy Brubaker.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements were made by Remington-Letcher in Laurel, MT. A memorial service will be scheduled for the summer.

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