Gladys Vernetta Kleppen, age 89, of Ettrick, died on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 in the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse.

Gladys was born on October 10, 1926 in French Creek to John and Theresa (Grinde) Skundberg. She married Alvin Kleppen on December 7, 1946 in the Blair Lutheran Church parsonage in Blair. Alvin preceded Gladys in death in 1982.

Gladys owned and operated a restaurant and a butcher shop in Ettrick. She also owned and operated the Lakeview Drive-In in Galesville. Gladys cooked at various restaurants in Ettrick and Blair and cooked at the Ettrick Elementary School.

Gladys is survived by a son, Darrell (Joan) Kleppen of Blair; a daughter, Darlene Walls of Ettrick; three grandchildren, Rick Peterson, Jason and Lisa Kleppen; nine great-grandchildren, Ryan, Steven, Harley, Keegan, Ezra, Cole, Blake, Jersey and Kiki; four great-great-grandchildren, Braxton, Kaydance, Sadie and Journey.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gladys was preceded in death by an infant brother.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the French Creek Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery both in rural Ettrick. Pastor Anna Sorenson will officiate.

Visitation will be Friday, April 22, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.