KLECKNER, Maurice J. 1920-2006

KLECKNER, FOX, PATTYN

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 10/27/2006 at 21:46:24

ST. ANSGAR, IOWA — Maurice J. Kleckner, 86, died Saturday, September 30,2006 after a brief stay in Mercy Hospital.

Memorial services were held Friday, October 6, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, Iowa, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Maurice was born February 2, 1920 in New Haven, Iowa, the son of Ernest J. and Florence (Fox) Kleckner. He was baptized at St. Peter Catholic Church, New Haven, confirmed and married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage.

Maurice enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1939 and served six years. He obtained the rank of Chief Petty Officer and was honorably discharged in 1945. He had been assigned to the U.S.S. Helena, and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He stayed with the Helena until it was sunk during the Battle of Kula Gulf in the south Pacific. Maurice was extremely patriotic and his service to his country was one of his valued accomplishments.

On May 7, 1949, he married Leona Pattyn and six children were born of their union. They made their home on a farm near St. Ansgar. He received extreme satisfaction from cultivating the land to support his family. In his free time Maurice enjoyed fishing, cards and visiting with friends. His greatest pleasure was his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Adrian, Arnie, Bob and Ray; and two sisters Helen and Patricia.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 57 years, Leona, his six children, Mark, Steve (Janet), Nancy (Tom) Schrag, Ernie (Mary), Sally (Bob) Hertel and Patrick (Marianne); ten grandchildren, Matthew, Luke, Christina, John and Emily Kleckner, Adam and Spencer Schrag and Jess, Jenny and Jackson Hertel, one great granddaughter Madelyn; two brothers, Jim and Bill Kleckner and two sisters Bernice Paulson and Mary Schwable.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar was in charge of arrangements. (641) 713-4920.

[ Modified from an obituary in Mitchell County Press online Oct 11, 2006 - www.mcpress.com ]