Ronald E. Cleppe , 78, of Ely died Friday, February 25, 2022 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a short illness. According to his wishes, a Celebration of life Gathering will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the Ely American Legion.  Brosh Chapel and the Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is caring for Ronald and his family.

Ronald Eugene was born December 14, 1943, in Chelsea, the son of Theophille E. and Rachel M. (Landuyt) Cleppe. He graduated from Tama High School and then attended the US Mechanical Trade School in Kansas City, Missouri.  He married Donna (Meskimen) Ellenbecker in 1961, and during their marriage, they had four children, Mike (Jackie) Cleppe, Anne (Roger) Wolf, Steve (Teresa) Cleppe and Mark (Teresa) Cleppe.   He worked at Harry's 66 in Ely from 1961 to 1984. He then took over ownership and continued the business as Cleppe's.  Ron also served 40 years in the Ely Volunteer Fire Department.  In 2004, Ron married Tammy Lint.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy; his children and their families; brother Robert (Debra) Cleppe; brother-in-law Larry Petersen; sisters-in-law Jessie (Marty) Diaz and Jodie (Terry) Lint; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Theophille Cleppe, mother Rachel and step-father Harry Hodina, sister Joyce Petersen, and in-laws Everett and Peggy Lint.

Memorials may be directed to the family, P.O. Box 133, Ely, Iowa 52227