DENNIS KLECKNER

Dennis Kleckner, age 71, of St. Charles, IL, passed away following a brave battle with cancer, Monday, July 11, 2022. Lifted up by the love and prayers of his family, he is now released into the arms of his Heavenly Father.

He was born November 30, 1950, in Geneva, IL, to loving parents, Lester Sr. and Virginia Kleckner.

Dennis grew up in Maple Park and attended local schools. He graduated from Burlington Central High School with the class of 1968.

He continued his education at Northern Illinois University where he received his bachelor’s degree business in 1972.

Dennis happened upon the woman he would marry in St. Charles, but upon first glance Dennis thought it might have been Heaven. Diane Missele was proud to walk down the aisle, hand in hand with the man who made her heart complete, on August 10, 1974. They began their new life together in St. Charles where they continued to live and raise their family.

Dennis worked at Masonite Corporation before moving on to what is now Navistar, formerly International Harvester, and dedicated over 30 years before his retirement brought him home where he could focus on his family, friendships and his ever-burgeoning collection of classic promo/dicast model cars.

Dennis spent countless hours displaying and sometimes restoring the promotional model cars made by various car manufactures; his collection boasting hundreds. His garage held his pride and joy, his 2020 Chevy Camaro that could purr like a kitten, but race like a tiger. He had a carpenter’s heart. building cabinets, picture frames, work benches, and more. Basically, if he could think it, he could build it and you know that it was built to last many generations. Country music spoke to him like no other, but if you wanted to see a sparkle in his eye, just mention the word casino, where video poker ruled the day. He played cards at home, teaching the next generation how to play Pinochle. When Dennis had a chance to get outdoors, he preferred to have a fishing pole in his hand. It was a passion he tried to pass on to his children and grandchildren making for many unforgettable memories along the way. His back yard became his haven in recent years and the gazebo built by family and friends was where he held court, basking not only the sunshine, but the reflection of the love he gave to all. He never missed cheering on his children and grandchildren at various events. Dennis was beloved by his family, was a respected and honored friend to many and will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Diane Kleckner; two children: Brian Kleckner and Renee (Shaun) Schroeder; three grandchildren: Mackenzie, Gianna and Tinsley; two siblings: Lester Kleckner Jr. and Mickey Lee; many nieces, nephews and a countryside full of friends.   

He now joins his parents, Lester Sr. and Virginia Kleckner who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, on Sunday, July 17, 2022. A funeral to celebrate his faith will be at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd., St. Charles, IL 60175, Monday, July 18, 2022, at 11 a.m., with a time of visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Lily Lake Cemetery, Lily Lake.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregational United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd., St. Charles, IL 60175. Memories tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.