Edmund Klepps was a true hero. He loved God, his country, and his family. This is his story. Born on February 5, 1914, he grew up during the Great Depression. He joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS Helena. He was aboard the Helena at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. Despite the different events that should have ended his life that day, he survived. He continued serving on the Helena as it fought in the South Pacific. In the early morning hours of July 6, 1943, three Japanese torpedoes sent the mighty Helena to her grave. Ed swam for hours to avoid the same fate. He found his way to the USS Detroit, where he saw the end of the war in Tokyo Bay. He was then discharged from the Navy, and started on a new adventure - family. Edmund started his new family on August 28, 1943 when he married Alma Wondrovski. Their family grew to four when Nancy and Diane were born. Ed and Alma worked hard to provide better lives for their daughters than what they had. They always put their girls first, no matter what they had to go without. Eventually the family grew to 10, and then 22. In 2010, a great great grandchild was born. After 68 years of marriage, Alma passed away on April 15, 2012. Edmund joined her in their Heavenly home on January 8, 2013. Edmund and Alma loved their family. Their faith kept them strong, and helped them raise a beautiful family. Their story will never be forgotten.