Yaro Klepel was born in St. Louis, Missouri, January 29th, 1893. He was educated in the public schools there, and in June, 1916, received the degree of Mining Engineer in the Missouri School of Mines. In the year following he made his home in Ruth, White Pine County, Nevada, where he was engaged in his chosen profession. He was married to Miss May Beatrice Herson, of St. Louis, Missouri, on August 9th, 1917. A month later (September 19, 1917) he answered the call to the Colors, going to Camp Lewis, Washington, from White Pine County. His service record shows that he served in Battery E, 348th Field Artillery, 91st Division until March 18th, 1918, in the Ordnance Detachment, Edgewood, Maryland, until May 5th, in the Ordnance Laboratory, Cleveland, Ohio, until July 31st, and thereafter in the Development Division, Chemical Warfare Service, Nela Park, Cleveland, Ohio, until the time of his death. He was chosen for the scientific work of the government on account of his expert knowledge of such things, and in this work he proved himself to be a most competent and valuable man to the Nation. His record shows advancements to the rank of Private, First Class, November 16, 1917, and of Corporal, November 1st, 1918. His worth would undoubtedly have been further recognized by the Government had he not been called by his Maker in the same month (November 29, 1918).

Friends of Yaro Klepel, in White Pine County, where the soldier was widely known and respected, write of the unselfish, patriotic spirit with which he gave his all to our Flag, and speak of him as “a capable man and a most lovable character.” His widow, Mrs. May Herson Klepel, of 4121 Lacled Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, displays all the true American spirit of her brave husband when she says: “I am very proud of my husband’s gift to his Country and to the State of Nevada in particular. My grief at his loss is lessened by the knowledge that there is no finer way for a man to die than for his Country.” Those of us who have received the great blessings of Peace from those who gave, cannot find words to tell the infinite gratitude and honor in which we hold their names.