Bernard "Bernie" Klapperich
Bernard "Bernie" Klapperich
Obituary
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Bernard Klapperich Obituary
Memorial service will be 11:00am, Wednesday, December 17, 2025 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors.
Bernard Engelbert Klapperich was born on April 13, 1935 in Turton, South Dakota to Leon and Leone (Fortin) Klapperich. He grew up in Turton and graduated from Turton High School.
After graduation Bernie farmed with his dad until 1957 when he entered the US Army. Bernie proudly served in the US Army until 1959. After his military service he worked on various road construction projects which included several miles of I29 until a stroke forced an early retirement.
Bernie was known for always having a smile for everyone he met.
He was united in marriage with Roberta Elizabeth Chalmers on September 21, 1971 in Redfield, South Dakota. The couple was married for 30 years before Roberta passed away on October 9, 2001.
Survivors are his step-children, Judy DiazdeLeon of Sioux Falls, SD, Albert "Bud" (Brenda) Hansen of Watertown, SD and Lee Anne Bymers of Watertown, SD; his siblings, Larry (Sharon) Klapperich of Redfield, SD, Betty (Joe) Barrie of Wall, SD, Sally Klapperich Wolberg of Redfield, SD, Pat (Paul) Paulson of Wall, SD and Bill (Carol) Klapperich of Spearfish, SD; four grandchildren, Holli (Brian McGreevy) Hansen, Scott Hausvik, Jeff (Amy) Hansen and Stephanie (Jerrad) Ziegeldorf; eight great grandchildren, Hunter (Nicole) Hansen, Morgan (Garrett) Determan, Cole Hansen, Khloe Ziegeldorf, Kaden Ziegeldorf, Brady Hausvik, Tyler Hausvik and Brooks Hausvik; and one great-great grandchild, Makenna Determan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, Tom; and his sister Ann Kitterman and infant sister, Monica Kapperich.
Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel serving the family – www.wightandcomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Robin Rainford
December 12, 2025
Enjoyed meeting Bernie at the Klapperich reunion in Wall. Our Mom, Bonnie LaChance, was Bernie's teacher. Sending sympathy to all family members,
Karen and Robin Rainford
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