The world became noticeably quieter on July 25, 2022 when family and friends realized they would no longer hear the infectious, deep-dimpled laugh of Conner James Klepps, 24.
This silence has not been known to the world since August 15, 1997, when Kathy (Wayne) Kent and Joseph (Tanya) Klepps first welcomed their third son into their home. In their early years, the three Klepps boys, Alec, Tristan, and Conner, filled the space around them with the sounds of flipping skateboards, video games, and the deep thrum of playing cards stuck in bike tires. These sounds quickly matured to revving dirt bikes, Halo competitions, and continuous demands to “DO A BURNOUT!”
As the years went on, Kathy and Joseph both remarried, adding not only bonus parents, but also an abundance of siblings for their three boys. Conner unquestionably embraced his sprawling, loud family and his new place as a middle child. He loved each of his family members with unwavering loyalty.
But it is here, in this unfair silence, that family and friends remember Conner. Conner had a unique ability to see the best in cast-aside cars, bikes, and people—and a passion for helping others realize this underlying importance as well. He spent his short time on this earth riding bikes with his brothers, ferociously protecting kittens, finding and petting the dogs at any event, and drinking every fake cup of tea his nieces handed him.
Conner’s quick wit, one-liners, and impromptu Step-Brothers impersonations made anyone who came near him burst into laughter. In fact, his humor will be forever cemented in enduring phrases that family and friends have clung to in these early days without him. Most notably, it is widely supported that Conner was the first person to say “mint” and “50/60” in response to exceptional bad-assary and life’s greatest moments. And in these lighthearted phrases that loved ones carry a sliver of his humor with them into tomorrow.
Conner will live on through his parents Kathy Kent and Joseph Klepps; his step-parents Tanya Klepps and Wayne Kent; his siblings Alec Klepps, Tristan Klepps (Calli Klepps), Anthony Hoerter (Pachee Hoerter), Brittany Floistad (Kyle Floistad), Chyaine Rosenthal (Hans Waldoch), Beau Rosenthal, Nick Klepps, Isiabella Klepps, and Sophia Klepps; his nieces and nephews Elaine Klepps, Atlas Klepps, Ava Hoerter, Ayriani Hoerter, Evelyn Xiong, Rylee Hoerter, Natalia Hoerter, Finnley Hoerter, Theodore Floistad, Ayce Hoerter, and Jax Hoerter; his grandparents Doug and Judy Watson, Cheryl Lamkins; and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. He is preceded in death by his sister Taylor Rose Klepps and grandfather Jack Klepps.
A celebration of life will be held on August 13th at 1 pm at 213 Euclid Avenue, Manawa Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help pay off Conner’s bike, a 2020 Suzuki DRZ 400SM, his pride and joy.
Family and friends who wish to remember Conner will find his company going 70mph on a 55mph road, in the lyrics of Mac Miller songs, and kicking back and laughing to a comedy movie. And in these moments of uncomplicated joy, we will remember all of the versions of Conner that we may no longer have but we certainly did not lose.
The Holly Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.