Earl E. Kleckner, age 88, former owner and operator of Kleckner Fire Extinguisher Sales and Service of Waubeka, WI passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at the Village Point Commons in Grafton where he had lived the past six weeks.
He was born on December 15, 1930 in the town of Belgium, WI; son of John and Catherine Schumacher Kleckner. In his youth, Earl worked at the C. Reiss Coal Company in Sheboygan, the Milwaukee yard for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, built silos and Power Products in Grafton.
During the Korean War, Earl served as a Staff Sergeant in the Marines from October, 1951 until October 1953. He remained in the Reserves until 1959. During this time he married Mary Jane R. Wach, of Waubeka on February 23, 1952 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Fredonia.
For many years, Earl was a Machinist for Simplicity Manufacturing Company in Port Washington. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1430. In 1972, Earl started his fire extinguisher business and continued its operation for over 30 years with the help of his wife Mary Jane.
He was a longtime parish member of St. Rose and an usher. He was past commander of the Warren-Kane American Legion Post 410 of Fredonia and member and officer of the Waubeka Fire Department.
Earl and Mary Jane valued time spent together up north. He enjoyed his travels around the state & USA continually adding to their clock & cookie jar collection. Earl was always working on something; even cuckoo clocks right to the end.
He is survived by his children Dennis (Peg) Kleckner of Sturgeon Bay, Colleen (the late David) Pflug of Green Bay, and Deb (Dale) Jacoby of Random Lake; 9 grandchildren Amanda Jannene, Nicole Martin, Samantha Brown, Jason, Justin, Kevin and Tom Kleckner, Josh Pflug and Nathan Jacoby, 4 great-grandchildren Michael, Kameron, Maevh and Sawyer, his sisters Lorraine (the late Donald) Large of Port Washington and Eleanor (the late Richard) Prom of Belgium.
Earl is preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane on April 1, 2016; his son Timothy, his brothers Henry Kleckner and Robert and his wife Myrtle Kleckner; his sisters Marie Kleckner and Rosemary and her husband Henry Petesch. From Mary Jane’s family, he is preceded by her two brothers and sister. Edward and his wife Agnes Wach, Aloys and his wife Armina Wach, Loretta and her husband Clarence Spies.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 12 Noon Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Divine Savior Catholic Parish – St. Rose Chapel, 305 Fredonia Avenue, Fredonia, WI. Reverend Todd Budde will be the celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9-11:45AM Saturday AT CHURCH prior to Mass. Interment will take place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Fredonia.
Memorials to the charity of givers choice appreciated.
POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, Port Washington, WI assisting the family. Information and condolences available at www.poolefh.com or 262/284-4431.
Dear Dennis, Colleen and Deb,
We just heard that your Dad had passed away. Earl was like a second father to Holly and I. We will sorely miss him. He and Mary Jane were some of the kindest neighbors we have ever known. Our condolences.
Mark and Holly Brunner
My condolences to Dennis, Colleen and Deb. I also remember many times Uncle Earl helping me and Dad with electrical problems on the farm. He taught me a lot.,
Sending our heartfelt sympathy on your loss. Losing a parent/grandparent is never easy, even after a long, well-lived life. May precious memories live on during the days/years ahead. God Bless. Bob and Jean Beinemann
To Earl’s family,
I just read of Earl’s passing. I am the nurse that has worked with him over the years with his diabetes. I enjoyed working with him and helping him with his health care. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of him.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy. May those precious memories be foremost in your hearts and minds during this difficult time.
Isaiah 25:8
Our deepest sympathy to you Deb and Dale Jacoby and Nathan Jacoby and Nicole Martin during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Uncle Earl was always willing to help, remember many times Uncle being out on the fram helping dad with electrical issues and various things, always being a heckler to us kids, helping me out with a lawnmower tractor and snowthrower when I got married in 76 and still have it. He was a good Godfather as well. Rest easy Uncle Earl and say hi to Dad an Mom and all our family. God Bless. My deepest condolences to you and your families Dennis, Colleen and Debbie.
To Earl’s Family
We are sorry to hear that Earl has passed away. Your family is in our prayers.
Larry and Sue Conway