Frank Lawrence Kloeppel

Lawrence died on February 19, 2018. He was a charter member of the greatest generation. He was born on October 6, 1925 to Frank and Dolores Kloeppel. He was raised in Bernalillo and delivered milk and eggs each morning before school to help his parents make ends meet. When World War II began, he proudly enlisted in the Navy. He served aboard LSTs carrying Marines and equipment ashore and participated in beach landings at Saipan and Tinian.

When the war ended, he returned to Bernalillo where he met his future wife of more than 70 years, Rosemarie Gros. Together they proudly raised two sons, Keenan and Kenneth, and two daughters, Kim and Kelly. They were also very involved in the lives and activities of their grandchildren Kaycee, Jenna, Chris, Kristen, Kenny (deceased), and four great-grandchildren.

Lawrence was proud of his work ethic and his ability to solve problems. He started working for Chevron Oil Company as a kerosene deliveryman, and 38 years later he retired as a Retail Representative. He was a craftsman throughout his life and after his retirement he studied for and passed his test for the New Mexico Contractor License. He developed a small business at age 60 that would bring him satisfaction for many years. He also became an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed the serenity of the New Mexico streams. He was also an accomplished gardener and a Master Composter and taught composting classes. He was an outdoorsman and a talented photographer that allowed for a visual history of a life well lived. Lawrence was a 48-year friend of Bill Wilson and Bill’s friendship changed his life.

Lawrence also had his soft side and enjoyed playing with and teasing the grandkids as well as Pepe the granddogger. He will be missed at weddings and parties where every dance was a chance to share his dancing skills with every lady there. Lawrence we will miss you.

A Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. A reception will follow at FRENCH – Wyoming and interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m.