John E. Klepp

John E. Klepp
Former Gearhart police chief, 89
John E. Klepp, 89, of Astoria, died Saturday, July 31, 2010, in Astoria. He was born Jan. 4, 1921, in Rainier, to Eivind and Wilhelmina Klepp. Raised in Rainier, he graduated from Rainier High School and attended Pacific University on a football scholarship for one year prior to joining the service. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served for five years aboard the heavy cruiser USS Chester as a boatswain's mate 1st class. During World War II, he was in the South Pacific and was involved in nine major engagements, including the Battle of the Coral Sea at the time the U.S.S. Lexington was sunk by the Japanese. He was on board when the Chester was struck by torpedo en route to the Guadalcanal. He was discharged in 1947 and returned to Rainier. On Dec. 5, 1947, he married Luella (Benson) Klepp. She preceded him in death in March 2010. Following his military service, Mr. Klepp worked in the tug industry prior to joining the Oregon State Police. He was assigned to the Astoria patrol office highway division for 26 years until his retirement from OSP in 1977. He then became chief of the Gearhart Police Department for five years, and held several security positions until his final retirement in 1986. He was a member of the Scandinavian Benevolent Society, and a life member of the Elks and American Legion. Family members said he enjoyed motorcycle riding with friends for most of his life, riding until the age of 77. He also enjoyed woodworking, and made many crafts over the years in his garage in Astoria. He resided in Astoria for nearly 60 years. He is survived by two daughters, Joanne Sifuentes-Klepp of Hillsboro and Dianne Klepp of Astoria; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Kenneth Klepp of Seaside and Trygve and Melissa Klepp of Astoria; five grandchildren, Aaron and Kayla Jylha and Jacob Klepp, all of Astoria, and Christopher and Vanessa Sifuentes of Hillsboro; and a great-granddaughter, Maleena Anderson of Astoria. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9 at Hudson Cemetery in Rainier. Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at w(www.caldwellsmortuary.com).