Clifford Keplin, age 80, of Belcourt, ND passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 14, 2025, surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of his home.

Clifford was born on July 27, 1945 in Belcourt, ND to Louis and Katherine (Delorme) Keplin.  He obtained his GED from Turtle Mountain Community High School and earned credits from Turtle Mountain Community College as well.  He was a devoted husband, loving father, treasured grandfather, and a friend to many.  Clifford married the love of his life, Janice Marie Thomas, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, a testament to their deep bond and enduring love.  Clifford was a proud and committed father to his three children – Curtis, Betty Lou, and Terry - and, alongside Janice, opened his heart and home to many foster children over the years.  He also took pride in his growing family, finding immense joy in the lives of his 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, each of whom he adored.

Clifford's life was marked by kindness and dedication to his family, friends, and community.  He was a man who lived life with energy, passion, and a deep love for the outdoors and the people around him.  Whether he was sprinting down a track, swinging a bat on the softball field, teeing off on the golf course, betting on his favorite horse, or casting a line into a peaceful lake, he found joy in every moment.  He also had a deep appreciation for travel, always eager to explore new places and create lasting memories with his family, but most of all with his wife, Janice. More than anything, his heart belonged to coaching.  He had a natural gift for ispiring others, guiding with patience, wisdom, and unwavering support.  To him, coaching wasn't just about the game, it was about building character, confidence, and community.

Clifford is survived by his beloved wife, Janice, two of his children, Curtis (Alison) and Betty Lou (Larry), 10 grandchildren and 16 of his great grandchildren, two brothers, Donald and Steven, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Katherine, three brother, Dallas, Melvin, and Larry, three great grandchildren, Eugene, Francis, and Liam, his father, and sister-in-law, numerous aunties, uncles, and cousins, and finally his cherished son, Terrance "Terry" Gene Keplin.

While Clifford is celebrated as an athletic legend, he should also be remembered for his warm smile, quick wit, a generous spirit, the quiet strength he brought to every room, and the way he lived with purpose and grace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will follow the funeral mass at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.  Father Michael Slovak presiding. All family and friends are welcome to join for a meal following services at the Derrick Dixon Event Center, Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.