Margaretha Kloepping

Margaretha Kloepping, 91 of Cozad, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024. She was born on September 18, 1932, in Tiefenbach, Germany to Jakob and Josephine (Kratzer) Föll. Growing up amidst the devastation and turmoil of World War II, Margaretha experienced hardship, often going without — without enough milk or bread to eat, without enough feelings for being safe at home or at school, without time to play, but instead work. These formative experiences of loss forever influenced her desire for having or wanting more. 

Margaretha met David Miller, an American Army soldier stationed overseas. They married in Bad Wimpfen, Germany. As a war bride, Margaretha embraced the challenges of adapting to new cultures, learning the English language and growing their family across the globe following David’s career and active duty assignments. Their son, David was born at Fort Dix in New Jersey, their son, Robert was born at Kagnew Station in Africa, and their daughter, Carolyn was born at Fort Bliss in Texas. Their family returned to David’s hometown, Lexington, Nebraska and were surrounded by his family, as well as many other Germans and Germans from Russia who became life-long friends.

Margaretha later married Wilbur “Doc” Kloepping, they lived in Cozad, Nebraska. Together, they were active as members of the local democratic party, and she enjoyed traveling with Doc locally and across the nation to support the betterment of agriculture and protect rural life. Margaretha was known for hosting delicious dinner parties where she served prime rib with homemade spätzle or noodles and gravy. She worked to cultivate a yard that enhanced the community around her with beauty — Moss Rose and Asters were her favorites. One might have considered it a high compliment if Margaretha brought a sharp spade to split a plant from your landscape to transplant into hers.

Following Doc’s death, Margaretha shared the company of John Gishwiller. They attended senior citizen dances in communities across south-central Nebraska, worshiped at the Methodist church and shopped! Margaretha gained energy being around other people and was innately gifted to win others over. To her, a stranger was just a friend she had not met yet. 

Whether she was tending to her flowers, preparing delicious meals, or shopping for the best deals, Margaretha touched the lives of all who knew her, and many benefited from her unconditional generosity. She will be missed by all who tasted her homemade pretzels or enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee that she was always ready to pour.

Margaretha was preceded in death by her parents, Jakob and Josephine Föll; brothers, Jakob (Rita) and Fritz Föll; sister, Klara (Vince) Kaiser; brother-in-law, Maximillian Kloo; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pete and Katherine Miller; first husband, David Miller; sons, David and Robert Miller; son-in-law, Gayle Wize; second husband, Doc Kloepping; special friend, John Gishwiller, brothers-in-law, Pete, John, Henry (Ruth), Alex (Sharon), Harold (Genie), William, Fred (Dorothy) Miller, and sisters-in-law Louise (Chuck) Gullion, Katherine (Ellsworth) Gordon, Marie (Chester) Dodge.

Margaretha is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Wize; grandson, Nathan (Alynne) Wize; granddaughters, Kyla (Mat) Habrock and Kayla Born; great grandchildren, Emylyne (Conner) Johnson, Alexander Wize, Isaac and Jordan Clarke, Kaiden Born, Kimber Luedke, and Fallon Habrock; sister, Anneliese Kloo; sisters-in-law Annemarie Föll and Jeanine Miller, as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be missed!

Memorials are suggested to the family in her name for later designation. Cremation was chosen and a private family service will be held at a later date.