Leroy Klocke

LeRoy Leo, son of Clem and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Wiskus) Klocke, was born May 10, 1936, on the family farm near Dedham, Iowa. LeRoy grew up near Dedham and attended St. Joseph’s School through the eighth grade. He then worked on the family farm. On June 22, 1957, LeRoy was united in marriage with Janice Kirsch at Holy Angels Church in Roselle. LeRoy and Janice lived south of Dedham for a short time and then farmed near Coon Rapids. While he farmed, LeRoy also worked part-time for Garst & Thomas in the sizing and bagging department. Following his retirement from farming in 1983, he continued full time with Garst & Thomas from which he fully retired in 2003. During his retirement he kept busy mowing lawns, gardening and helping others. LeRoy was a member of the Lion’s Club and Annunciation Church where he participated in the Men’s Club. He enjoyed gardening and bird and squirrel watching. LeRoy was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives and avidly attended their activities. On Monday, March 3, 2008, LeRoy died following complications of pneumonia at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 71 years of age. LeRoy is survived by his wife Janice Klocke of Coon Rapids; Eight children: Denise Koester (Jerry) of Coon Rapids; Patty Deeth (Mike) of Coon Rapids; Mike Klocke (JoAnn) of Coon Rapids; Nadine (Richard) Halbur of Adel; Tom Klocke (Betty) of Coon Rapids; Lori Soyer (Mark) of Carroll; LeRoy Klocke Jr. (Chris) of Arcadia; Gail Hopkins (Dean) of Bayard; 25 Grandchildren; 10 Great-grandchildren; Brothers & Sisters: Jessie Fast (Arnie) of West Point, NE; Maxine McFarland of Omaha, NE; Helen Knobbe Johnson of Brea, CA; Lorraine Gettler (Bill) of Mesa, AZ; Lambert Klocke (Donna) of Rockwell City; Jerry Klocke (Betty) of Carroll; Louise Costello of Vail; Ronald Klocke (Joleen) of Carroll; James Klocke (Louann) of Edgewood, WA; Larry Klocke (Pat) of Audubon; Sharon Wright (Eldon) of Scranton; Wayne Klocke (Carol) of Dedham; Donna Lowe (Ken) of Mulvane, KS; Marlene Wille (James) of Lewisville, TX; Janice’s Brothers & Sisters: Lucy Kirsch; Andrew Kirsch (MaryAnn); Mercedes Drees (Lloyd); Duane Kirsch (Betty); Dean Ludwig; Jerome Kirsch; Virgil Kirsch (Peggy); Monica Nellesen (Norm); as well as, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Francis Whisnant and husband Neil; brothers-in-law: Roy Knobbe, Gene McFarland, Earl Costello and Delbert Johnson; a grandson Ryan; a Godchild Nancy Klocke; Janice’s parents Andrew and Leona Kirsch; and other in-laws Art Kirsch, Diane Ludwig, Shirley Kirsch and Ron Pletchette. Prayers Thursday, March 6, 2008 3 PM Divine Mercy 7 PM Rosary Johnson & Woodhouse Funeral Home Coon Rapids, Iowa Mass of the Christian Burial will be Friday, March 7, 2008, 10:30 AM at Annunciation Church In Coon Rapids, Iowa. Celebrant will be everend Anthony Pick. Mass Servers will be Mitchell Klocke and Caylor Deeth. Lector will be JoAnn Klocke. Gift Bearers are Danielle Klocke, Tyler Soyer, Lizzy Klocke, Andrew Klocke and Carlie Hopkins. Eucharistic Ministers are JoAnn Klocke, Betty Klocke and Dean Hopkins. Annunciation Choir will sings with Ramona Kirsch as Vocalist. Faye Seidl is the Organist. Casket Bearers are Don Schoeppner, Jacob Koester, Bryce Deeth, Josh Halbur, Nic Klocke, Jason Soyer, Adam Soyer, Caleb Hopkins and Cole Hopkins. Interment is at Union Township Cemetery near Coon Rapids, Iowa.