John Gerald Klenke
June 9, 2010
Klenke, John “Gerald”, 97, retired Santa Fe Railroad conductor, died Wednesday, June 9, 2010. Rosary, 7 p.m., Sunday, June 13; Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Monday, June 14, both at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Gerald was the General Chairman of UTU from 1971-1978, a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He was also a former student at St. Johns Military Academy in Hays. Preceded in death by wives, Irene and Helen; daughter, Marjorie Ann Klenke; granddaughter, Theresa Elms; sisters, Wilna Hornung and Vera Tully; brother, Gilbert Klenke. Survivors: wife, Rita Klenke; children, Kenneth (Mary) Klenke, James (Kathleen) Klenke, Mary K. (Richard) Elms, Corinne Shearer, Carol (Ronald) Dreiling, Janice (Ken) Beebe, Jim (Judy) Langlois, Jack (Thelma) Langlois, Jeanette (Richard) Tommer, Barry (Karen) Galbraith, Peggy (Edward) Gahaghan, Tommy (Kathy) Galbraith, Rita (Mark) Baker, Jimmy Galbraith, Monte Smith, Stan (Camille) Galbraith, John (Susan) Galbraith; sisters, Louise Conrardy and Eunice Schaapveld; 44 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren. Memorial established with St. Catherine of Siena Building Fund, 7335 W. 33rd St. N., Wichita, KS 67205. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Sunday, June 13, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Carole and family – Our condolences on your dad’s passing: I realize this is very late but I just found out from my Aunt Rita today that he had died. (Aunt Rita was my dad’s only sibling.) I spoke with him several times on the phone while he and Aunt Rita were in Kansas and enjoyed our brief conversations. We were with Gerald, Rita and Carole in 2008 at the Bergman reunion in Conception, Missouri. We remember him as a very gentle, pleasant, kind man and we had an enjoyable time with them there. We are very grateful the he and Rita found one another. Gentle, loving people like Gerald are rewarded for the love they share, and we can be assured that he is with the Lord now, after a long fruitful life of giving to his family and those around him.
CAROL: JUST LEARNED OF YOUR FATHER’S PASSING. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SYMPATHY. NICE LONG LIFE HE HAD. I KNOW ITS BEEN A LONG TIME BUT WOULD BE NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU. JOHN AND ARLENE RUEB MERIDIAN, IDAHO
Uncle Gerald was such loving man who gave so much of himself to all of us who loved him. Trying to described the impact he had upon my life is impossible. There is no one else like him. He will be dearly missed.
Ken and Mary, we were so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. What a great man – admired by many. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories you have.
Uncle Gerald holds a special place in my heart as he has always been the one with the insight to fill the gaps of my lack of memory of Mom. For so many things in life I often think back to things we have talked about and draw on that wisdom. What a special man. He never missed my birthday. I am so sorry for your loss and mine.
John was a great person and having the privilege of knowing him for many many years has been a blessing. All of the fond memories we think of when reminiscing one leads to another. All of the State Brotherhood of Trainmen conventions where Irene would share John to dance with us girls while our husbands were doing their thing. John and his wives were always hospitable when we were in the area, Newton, Texas and Dodge City. We enjoyed all of our visits with them. You had a wonderful Dad and we know that he will be mised greatly.
Our sympathy and love to you, Corinne and family. Your family, including your Dad, was a big part in my upbringing and Corinne’s friendship with Peg at Sunnyside will always be remembered.
Words cannot express the true wonder of this man. He will be greatly missed, but I take comfort in knowing he is in a better place. Uncle Gerald has left a lasting impression in my life and that of all our family. I love him dearly.
Uncle Gerald was a true role model for all to follow. He raised a wonderful family. He worked hard, had respect for everyone, and had a great love of life. Uncle Gerald will be dearly missed.
I met Gerald Klenke 36 years ago when Rick and I were dating. I found him to be a very personable man who quickly won my heart and became my Uncle Gerald, too. He embraced life to the fullest measure, loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews with his whole being. I know you will miss him deeply but his spirit will remain with you through the many wonderful memories you have of him.
He was a most special person and uncle. God blessed us with his presence in my life and my family’s life. He will be greatly missed but I know he is in a better place now. Love you, Uncle Gerald.
Uncle Gerald was a very special person in my life and the greatest listener. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Uncle Gerald was the best uncle and Godfather a person could ever ask for. I was amazed each year he would remember my birthday with a card!
We were honored to have Gerald & other Kansas Cousins attend the 2000 Klenke Reunion in Eugene. It was the 1st time we really got to know this gentle, kind and gracious man. We were truly blessed. Our hearts go out to all of you. Klenkes in Oregon & New Hampshire. Myrands and Blumes of Eugene, Oregon
God blessed our family with this wonderful man. He played such a huge role in keeping the Holdens together and was a beautiful role model.