Bernice E. Kleckner

NAME Bernice Kleckner, age 89, of St. Charles , IL , passed away Monday, September 8, 2008 at Provena Pine View Care Center in St. Charles . BORN: She was born July 4, 1919, the daughter of Harry and Mabel (Geil) Scott in Ophir Twp., LaSalle , IL EARLY YEARS : Bernice spent most of her childhood living and working on a farm. When she was only one year old, the family moved to Little Suamico, WI, where they worked the land owned by her grandfather. Five years later the family moved back to Waltham Twp., IL. , where Bernice attended local schools when she wasn’t tending to fields and livestock. EDUCATION: (How many years of education did she obtain? We need the number for the death certificate, so if she didn’t graduate we can leave it written "as is". If she did, I can add her year of graduation if you like. ) MARRIAGE On July 16, 1944 Bernice was united in marriage to Elwood E. Hanson in Waltham Presbyterian Church. Elwood was on leave from the service at the time so Bernice had to wait and live at home until his return in 1946. Upon returning to civilian life, Elwood and Bernice settled in Peru , IL. After Elwood’s passing in 1980, Bernice was blessed with love a second time when she met Lester Kleckner. Their two hearts became one on March 14, 1987 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in LaSalle , IL . Bernice, who wasn’t blessed with children in her previous marriage, "inherited" a family of three step-children that would eventually give her the honor of being grandmother to five and great-grandmother to six. Her remaining years with Lester would bring many memories filled with laughter and love as they made their home in Lily Lake and most recently in St. Charles , IL . OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY Bernice worked as a teacher for seven years from 1939-1946 and for ten years as a Material Controls Clerk at Electrical Utilities in LaSalle , IL . MEMBERSHIPS She was a long time faithful member of Community Congregational Churches in both LaSalle and Elburn. LIFE NOTES In earlier years, Bernice loved to sew dresses for herself and friends alike. Until her eyesight began to fail her, Bernice looked forward to working on her daily crossword puzzle. Organized to the fullest, Bernice made sure there wasn’t a detail that was left unnoticed. From birthdays and anniversaries to grocery and "to-do" lists, everything was contained and meticulously categorized in one of her numerous notebooks. Her love of organization and dedication to her faith and church was "sewn" into her twenty seven years as treasurer for the UCC Community Congregational Church in LaSalle , IL . Though her passing was sudden due to a brain tumor that was only recently diagnosed, her memory will linger long after the colorful leaves of autumn have fallen. Her spirit remains strong and her memory unforgettable in the hearts and minds of her family and friends for generations to come. SURVIVORS She now leaves her loving husband Lester, Three step-children: Lester Jr. (Carol) Kleckner of Maple Park , IL , Mickey Lee of Lily Lake , IL and Dennis (Diane) Kleckner of St. Charles , IL Five step-grandchildren: Kent ( Tracy ) Kleckner and their children Derek, Cory, Kathryn, and Lauren, David (Teri) Kleckner and their daughter Elizabeth, Matthew Lee, Brian Kleckner, Renee (Shaun) Schroeder and their daughter MacKenzie; One brother, Warren (Cornelia) Scott of Peru, IL, One brother-in-law Russell Crane of LaSalle , IL and many nieces, nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED She now joins her parents, one sister Marjorie Crane, and her first husband Elwood who preceded her in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Friends may call from 10-11a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ, Elburn. A funeral to celebrate her life will follow the visitation at 11a.m. and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Dire, pastor of the church, will officiate. Following cremation, private family interment will occur at Forrest Lawn Cemetery in LaSalle , IL . MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in her name. Checks may be made to the "Bernice Kleckner Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66 , Elburn , IL 60119 . Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.

Friends may call from 10-11a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ, Elburn. A funeral to celebrate her life will follow the visitation at 11a.m. and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Dire, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Following cremation, private family interment will occur at Forrest Lawn Cemetery in LaSalle, IL.