John Edward "Mars" Klepper

Words can not express, What a beautiful, caring, and giving person Mars was. I will deeply miss Marzy, for he touched my heart deeply.
Lovingly, Suzy

I returned from a vacation to learn that Marzy had passed on while I was out of the country. What sad, terrible news! I knew Mars from his days at Ponderosa in Bloomington. He was the kindest, most generous, and most thoughtful employee they have ever had. Once, when I was in Pondo for lunch, and he learned that it was my birthday, he left the store, ran across the street to the supermarket and bought me an African violet plant as a gift. I treasure that plant to this day. We have kept in...

I met John over 30 years ago, at "Of Our Own" in the Village, when
we were both teenagers. We wandered a lot about Houston, going to concerts, restaurants, and friends' houses. I think it was the music that first brought us together, and even later, when we didn't see each other as often, we still went to concerts, or he would come hear me sing, and we would talk endlessly about music and trade disks with each other. I still have some of his that I wish I could return in person.
...

Peace be with you, Mars! As I write this in Austin, your memorial service is happening in Houston. Bonnie my Chaplain wife is officiating the service (as I'm sure you can see from the "other side" there), and she's honored that you are the first memorial she is officiating. Though I didn't know you well, you are obviously a kind soul. I smile when I remember seeing you at House of Pies, maybe 18 or 19 years ago, with a pink barrette in your fledgling pony tail. Daring! I've just read many...

For Mars

Everyday
I strive to make my heart big enough
To hold all the experience
Life brings.

Everyday your heart was big enough
To touch people in large and small ways
You made it your priority
A life work
Greater than fortune and ambition
Your true calling, so natural for you.
Even now, I feel your love pouring down on us.

I will never forget
The attention you paid
A...

My Uncle Johnny is and will be missed dearly. He was the nicest person that I have ever met. I used to love going over to his house when I was younger. He always used to wrestle with me, tickle me, and just make me smile so much. This warm soul is also responsible for my love for Spider-Man. He showed me a whole new world and opened the door to great music too. I just wish that he could have seen my band play that one day. Even til the last day he was alive, he was making me smile and laugh....

Mars was a friend to a lot of my friends from Houston. He was good at being a friend. I live in Austin now and have for quite awhile, so I didn't see him often. I have lots of little memories of him though, mostly involving his crazy sense of humor. Since I learned of his death,I've been remembering singing doo-wop backup vocals with him on a particular day in maybe '77 or '78 while some friends played some rythum & blues. Our friend Rita sang "backup" with us there. He had a great voice and...

You were a good guy, and I wish we had stayed in touch over the years. We had alot of great philosophical discussions, but most of all I remember that you loved the music as much as I did. Sounds as if you had a life well-lived. I'm glad to know that. You deserved it.

I will always remember Mars' jokes, silly songs and especially his name tags. God bless his family and thank you for giving the world such a delightful person.