Heaven gained a fine Celtic fiddler on Saturday, July 23, 2022. George Adam Klepac, passed away of congestive heart failure. George was born on June 27, 1971, in Decatur, Illinois, to Rita and George A. Klepac. The family moved to Kansas City in 1978.
When George was 5 years old he began Suzuki violin lessons with Beth Titterington and studied for 15 years. This forged a relationship with his violin that lasted his whole life. He began playing as the Fiddler on the Roof (of the woolen shop) at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival when he was 12 and continued to fiddle at festivals nearly every year after that. He was scheduled to entertain at the festival again this year. In high school he was first violin in the school orchestra and played for 6 years with the Kansas City Youth Symphony. He played a duet at the Kansas City Music Hall with classmate John Patterson on cello at his graduation from Southwest High School in 1989.
He was accepted as an AFS foreign exchange student and spent the year in Friborg, Switzerland, with Chantal Knobel and her daughter Joelle. Upon returning to the States, George got a job at the Grand Canyon where he worked until he began his college education at Northern Arizona University earning a degree in Parks and Recreation Management in 2000. He then interned at Old Charlestown in South Carolina and enjoyed performing as a living history character.
But, George had an undeniable wanderlust and the road called to him. He grabbed his fiddle and followed Renaissance Festivals and Highland Festivals all over the country making friends as he went. Arizona, Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, and Vermont welcomed him year after year. He performed with The Empty Hats along the way and traveled from fair to fair with them leaving music and smiles in his wake. He was a bright light in a few albums with the band and was very proud of the music they produced.
The fairs typically happened from May-October, so during with winter months George pursued his other passion ~ skiing. He worked at resorts in Oregon, California, Vermont, Colorado, and Washington State. He loved interacting with people at the resorts with his wit and his humor. He also loved pointing his skis downhill and leaving his mark on the powder behind him.
In the last few years, he’d begun trying to settle down, first in Fort Collins near his mom and brother, then New Jersey and in 2018 he moved back to Kansas City. He was so happy to be among old friends again and enjoyed rekindling those relationships. He also continued to seek out places to entertain with his fiddle. His love for the music earned him friends and admirers whenever he rosined up his bow.
He was preceded in death by his dad George Klepac (2007), his Uncle Raymond Hulse (2020), his Aunt Donna Lee (2016) and Uncle Al Oldenburg (2021), his Uncle Richard Klepac (2000) and his grandparents. He is survived by his mom Rita Brown, his brother Tom Klepac, his half-sister Kimbra Rosenberg, his aunts Liz Hulse and Karen Klepac, several cousins, and many friends. He will be missed immensely.
George was a voracious reader, he loved games, the out-of-doors, and entertaining others. He was loved and admired for his music making and his fun spirit. His music and voice live on through his performance on a number of wonderful CDs.
Help us celebrate George’s life on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 10:00 am on the Kansas City Renaissance Festival fair grounds in Bonner Springs, KS. Please come in casual dress or Renaissance attire. Memories of George and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
I have good memories of George from school growing up. We were on a few of the same canoe trips as kids. He was always a very nice, friendly person – the kind that wouldn’t harm a fly. He was funny and talented, too. I feel really sad about his passing. The world is missing out on a kind soul but maybe the universe will keep it alive up there somewhere.
I was so shocked and sorry to hear about George. He was so kind and helpful. He helped me with my brother when he was dying — staying with him all night, holding his hand. I will always be very grateful to him for that.
remember when he was just a young boy just learning how to play the violin. I think he was the happiest when he was playing his violin. Every year he went to the Renaissance Festival and was a strolling violinist. I hope he’s playing beautiful music and strolling up in heaven. I know how much you loved George and did so much for him and how you’re hurting. My heart goes out to you and I pay for your peacce.
My love to you, Rita,
Betty Oldenburg
I was lucky enough to see inside George’s life. I only hope he truly understood the joy, comfort, and happiness he brought to the world.
His music will continue to touch hearts and souls. I’ll keep playing it, keep sharing it, and keep alive his memory my whole life.
A life well lived is a gift, made all the more precious for its brief time with us. He played with the best, traveled the world, and spread love.
“Of all the comrades that e’er I had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e’er I kissed
They’d wish me one more day to stay.
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all”
Rita and Tom,
I just found this information about a celebration of life for George.
It is too late for me to make it there but I am there with you.
What a great, joyful photo…
George had a gift of infectious laughter that I can still hear ringing. He was the most generous man I ever met and was happy to share what he had. I have known George over 30 years I hardly believe it’s over now. I’ll keep you in my heart forever ” Sir Klepach”. Love to you and Tommy, Rita. I know this is hard for us all.
Kimbr “Kimi” Stevens
Rita and Tom,
I am so sad to hear of George’s passing. I only found out today. As you may know he held a special place in my heart. He was a loving, talented and bright spark in my world. Always the traveller in life, …he seemed to be searching for something. I’m sure he’s found peace. I will always love him and keep his memory close to me. I have his poems and letters he would write me from long ago. Many tears and sadness fill me and I am thinking of you during this time even though we hardly ever met. Much love and peace to you all. George will never be forgotten and will forever remain loved dearly.
Angela Coleman
George was a lovely soul. I reconnected with him when he moved back to Kansas City and we had some lovely meals together visiting at my home with my wife and kids . He is a kindred spirit and cared about connecting and reaching out to people no matter what . He is and will always be a true ‘original’. The fiddler. I was just getting started getting to know him better . He will be missed .
This is truly. Our time in high school was always “gotcha” moment whenever we crossed paths in the hallways, as we joked about our first names. George was cool and highly likable guy. His love of the performing arts was mainstay of his character. We lost a good guy. May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry for your loss, Rita. George seemed to have your zest for life and knew how to live to the fullest. My heart aches for you.
Dear Rita, Tom and family, what good times you and George provided—Southwest Orchestra, Renaissance Festival, friendship. Love and thanks, Liz Smith
You were with me for half of my life, one of my best friends. I still haven’t figured out how to do this without you. You are so loved and so missed.