John Harold Klekamp, 76, a well-known resident of rural Litchfield, died on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at Elevate Care Chicago North in Chicago, due to a fall resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive. An additional visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 27, from 11 to 12 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 12 p.m. at the church with Pastor James Ritter officiating. Burial will be held at Mt. Olive City Cemetery. Lunch will follow the burial at Immanuel Lutheran Education Building.
Mr. Klekamp was born July 21, 1946, to Harold and Helen (Lueneman) Klekamp.
He was baptized in St. John’s Lutheran Church in South Litchfield and attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Mt. Olive, where he was confirmed.
Mr. Klekamp graduated from Mt. Olive High School with the class of 1964 and excelled in track, earning letters each year. After graduation, he worked at the WYKOMI Plant in Litchfield.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in Korea and Germany. After his service, he worked on the Gulf Interstate Pipeline. He then worked for Allis-Chalmers in Springfield as a machinist until it was sold to Fiat-Allis, which eventually relocated to Japan. He later worked for Mayfield Produce and Landscape Company in Staunton in his retirement.
Mr. Klekamp was very kind and helpful with a contagious smile and hearty laugh. He loved visiting with family and friends. He was an expert antique appraiser and enjoyed auctions and yard sales, especially the Picker’s Market in Litchfield. He was always on the look out to find an item someone was searching for.
He loved animals and wildlife and especially enjoyed feeding the ducks at Walton Park. He also enjoyed metal detecting, gardening and supporting community events. He was a member of the VFW and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive.
Mr. Klekamp is survived by his sisters, Marian (husband Larry) Mayfield of Staunton, Jane (husband Joe) Taylor of Litchfield and Carol (husband Larry) Frailey of Benld; special cousin, Brenda (husband Ed) Lubrandt of Gillespie; beloved cat, Mama; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends and wonderful neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and niece, Nancy (Mayfield) Holtorf.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mt. Olive VFW or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive. Online condolences to the family may be left at www.beckerandson.com.
