Marcia Deann Kleppe, age 69 of Clarence, died Tuesday January 28, 2014 at the Clarence Nursing Home after a two year battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held on Saturday February 1, 2014 at 11:00 A.M at St. John's United Church of Christ in Clarence with Reverend David Mears officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be held on Friday January 31, 2014 from 4-7 P.M at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence. Marcia was born on March 31, 1944 in Anamosa, Iowa to Richard and Goldie (Winchip) Benischek. She married Richard Kleppe on August 1, 1968 in Clarence. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past summer. Marcia graduated from Olin High School in 1962. She played varsity basketball all four years, scoring over 1,000 points. She also went to the 1962 state high school golf tournament. Marcia graduated from the University of Iowa in 1966. She worked as a social worker in California and Cedar Rapids. She later returned to the University to earn a graduate degree in high school counseling. She was first hired at Bennett where she taught and coached. She later served as a counselor and coach at Oxford Junction and Lost Nation. She was also at North Scott for 2 years. Marcia then returned to the University to work with student athletes. Being a strong Hawkeye fan she has many fond memories of those years. Later she returned to high school counseling at DeWitt Central for 12 years. There she was most proud of working with "at risk" students and guiding them to graduation. She retired in 2005 and enjoyed winters in Venice, FL, where she enjoyed the tropical weather, biking on the trails and riding around the island. She had many great friends at the Venice-Nokomis DAV. Her favorite place was Leech Lake at Walker, MN, ever since her parents owned Northland Lodge Resort in the early 1950's. She enjoyed many years fishing and sailing on the lake. Even with her cancer advancing she was able to enjoy fishing and golf this past summer. She enjoyed visiting Denise and Brad, touring points of interest, dining at different restaurants and spending time with them. Christmas with them was always a special time. That time meant much to her. She always enjoyed life to the fullest. Her family and friends have a life time of memories with Marcia. She touched the lives of many people as a wife, mother, teacher and high school counselor. She will be missed by many. Marcia is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter, Denise Kleppe (Brad Mortimore) of Richmond, VA; and two brothers, Roger (Bonnie) Benischek of New Orleans, LA and Gregory Benischek of Anamosa. She was preceded in death by her parents.