Wonderful Memories at the Klepper Farm

During my childhood, I love going to my grandparent's farm in West Bend,Iowa with my family. My grandparents, Henry and Eleanor Klepper, were from my mother's side. My mother, Florence Ridenour also lived at the farm during her childhood.
My sister,Pam Coons, and I were always excited when my parents tell us that we will go to the farm. I love the smell of the farm and looking at the stuff at the farm and inside the house. Antiques were all over the place. I was always intrigued with them. I always peeked at their bedroom and it looked so beautiful with so many antiques. My favorite antique is wooden stove in the kitchen. Grandmother cooked most delicious meals made from scratch. I always tell my grandma that I want to have it. I also took Tony and Amelia to the farm. They too love the farm.

I always cherish my memories of the farm. It was one of the happiest moments in my life. It broke my heart in 2007 when I saw the field where the house and barn were located. They were demolished for more land to plants corn. My aunt, Ethel Klepper, informed me that my favorite antique, the wooden stove, is now buried in the ground on the field. It was too heavy to haul out.



1960's

My grandmother,Eleanor Klepper (1960's)

My cute sister,Pam (right) and me in October 1956,
~Check the house~

My family,the Ridenour, from left to right
My Dad, Keith,Pam,me and my mom, Florence on the Thanksgiving weekend in 1967 
~Check the house again~

1960's




1990's

Keith & Florence 
July 1st, 1951
According to the writing on the back of this snapshot,
"Flo & Chick had been out for supper& we had a birthday cake."
~check the barn.~

My grandparents, me & Pam

~check this barn~




2007
The farm is gone forever! That is where the wooden stove is buried. How sad!

A picture of my wonderful memories on the farm in our den.
I hope my children and generations to come will look at this picture and know where their root comes from.