Gretchen A. Klippenstein

1932 - 2026

Gretchen A. Klippenstein

June 24, 1932 - March 28, 2026

Heaven just gained an angel. Gretchen Ann Klippenstein, age 93, passed away March 28, 2026, in Beatrice. Gretchen was the daughter of Alfred and Blanche (Larson) Calvert and was born June 24, 1932, in Pierce, Nebraska. She graduated from Friend High School in 1950. After graduation, she attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where she was a member of Willard Sorority. She transferred to Lincoln General Hospital Nursing School and then to the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where she graduated from Teacher's College in August 1954.

She met her husband, Jack, at Friend High School. They married on June 18, 1954, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Following graduation, Gretchen taught fourth grade for one year at Wheaton, Illinois. while Jack finished his senior year of college. Following Jack's graduation, they moved back to Friend. Their three daughters, Ann, Lori, and Janice were born in Friend. The family moved to Beatrice in 1963. Gretchen stayed at home for 14 years raising the three girls. In 1969, she began teaching fourth grade at Cedar School in Beatrice. She retired after teaching for 24 years.

Gretchen enjoyed fun with family and friends, music, sitting and sipping, dominoes, and watching sports – especially Husker volleyball, football, basketball, and pro tennis. She was a founding member of Christ Community Church.

Survivors include her husband of 71 years, John "Jack" Klippenstein; daughters, Ann (Lance) Carlson, Lori (Hon. James) Stecker, and Janice (Dr. Randel) Swanson; grandchildren, Mark Carlson (friend Ashley Lowry), Steven (Maggie) Carlson, Daniel Stecker, Dr. Gregory (Veronica) Stecker, Dr. Jenna (Dr. Christian) Berg, Dr. Seth (Kara) Swanson, Hannah (Kris) Kooistra; great-grandchildren, Rocco and Marlowe Carlson, Axel and Elena Berg, Eliza, Oliver, Marigold and Poppy Swanson, Dallas, Cash, Tripp Kooistra; sisters- in-law, Nancy Calvert and Linda Klippenstein, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Blanche Calvert; brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Yvonne Calvert; brother, Dr. Thomas Calvert; brother-in-law, Gerald Klippenstein; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Norman Roll.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Christ Community Church with Pastor Dan Martin officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Private burial will take place at Evergreen Home Cemetery of Beatrice. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from noon until 8 p.m. with the family greeting relatives and friends from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Christ Community Church of Beatrice. www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.

Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services

1116 N. 19th Street

Beatrice, NE 68310

402-223-4096