Edward J. Kleckner

Edward J. Kleckner, age 91, of Cleveland, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 7, 2024, at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

He was born in Manitowoc on January 12, 1933, to the late Matthew and Hilda (Stein) Kleckner. He graduated from Central High School in 1951. Edward enlisted in the United States Marines and proudly served his country from 1951 until 1954 during the Korean War and was a member of the VFW Post 6707 in Kiel, WI. He was employed at Kohler Company in the pottery department for over 40 years. On June 1, 1957, Edward was united in marriage to Marlene Brost at the St. Wendel Church in Cleveland, WI, where he was a lifelong member. Edward was a volunteer with the Cleveland Fire Department for many years and was also apart of the Snowmobile Club. 

Edward enjoyed hunting, especially deer with the guys, Ron, Wayne and Lloyd. He also liked to fish on Lake Michigan and woodworking. In his younger years, Edward was on the Sheboygan Redwings Football team. In his later years, you could find him riding on his John Deere daily to get the mail. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marlene; daughters, Lori Thomas, Susan (Chuck) Holzwart; a daughter-in-law, Jane Kleckner; grandchildren, Kevin (Jade), Joseph (Kalli), Paul (Felicia), Richard (Kristen), Josh (Amanda), Anna (Joost), Marissa (Jacob), Stephanie (Jessie) and Brianna (Christopher); great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Soren, Davyn, Kendall, Harper, Finley, Jebidiah, Maxwell, Blake, Emma, Natalie, Grace, Claire, Isabelle and Jeremiah; sister, Joanne Kleckner and a sister-in-law, Marlys Kleckner and Edward’s family friend, Mark; nieces, nephews, other family and friends. 

Along with his parents and his father and mother-in-law, Melvin (Evelyn) Brost, Edward was preceded in death by his son Michael; son-in-law, Randy Thomas; siblings, John (Beverly) Kleckner, Thomas Kleckner, and LaVerne (Mike) Grieptentrog. 

A Funeral Service for Edward will take place at 11:30 AM on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd in Howards Grove with Deacon Michael Burch officiating. Family will greet visitors at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Edward will be laid to rest at the Saint Georges/Saint Johannes Cemetery in Cleveland, WI. 

Memorial donations can be made in Edward's name to The Cleveland Fire Department & Rescue Squad, 1274 W Washington Ave. Cleveland, WI 53015. 

The family would like to thank the medical staff at both HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and St. Nicholas Hospital for the care shown to Edward in the last few days.