Mary Jane Kiepe, 85, of Festus died March 4, 2025, at her home. Mrs. Kiepe attended Sacred Heart School and was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was the 1957 Tiger Queen at Festus High School. She worked as a nurse at Jefferson Memorial Hospital where she was named “Employee of the Year” in 1989. She served as a 4-H and Scout leader. She was a member of PEO Chapter EH in Festus. She also was Christian. Following the death of her son, she became a member of the American Gold Star Mothers. She held various chapter, state and national offices, including national president in 2007-2008. She and her husband enjoyed educating students and community groups on flag etiquette, flag folding and flag history for 15 years. She enjoyed attending her children’s activities and sporting events and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, her laughter and her kind and gentle ways. Born Feb. 4, 1940, in Lawrenceton, she was the daughter of the late Sylvesta (Govero) and Leonard Werner.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years: Glenn Conrad Kiepe; four daughters: Kim (Ross) Neel of Festus, Kelly (Dave) Dallas of Park Hills, Kristi (David) Landess of Savannah and Kari (David) Kopp of Crestwood; a sister: Cindy (Bob) Helmkamp of Bethalto, Ill.; three brothers: Sy (Judy) Werner of Neosho, Dale (Karen) Werner of Festus and Terry (Laurie) Werner of Oakville; 15 grandchildren: Justin (Billie) Neel, Jessica (Clyde) Thomas, Shane (Alyssa) Neel, Brendon (Halle) Neel, Mitchell (Taylor) Neel, Drew (Heather) Dallas, Casey Dallas, Trey (Shayna) Dallas, Molly Dallas, Colby Smith, Connor Smith, Callie (Jared) Boone, Trevor Kopp, Camryn Kopp and Logan Kopp; and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son: Navy Lt. Kent M. Kiepe; an infant sister: JoAnn Werner; and a brother: Kenny (Linda survives) Werner.
Visitation is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 555 Bailey Road, in Crystal City, officiated by Father Michael Boehm. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Lt. Kent M. Kiepe Scholarship at Festus High School. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.