Official Obituary of
Daniel Joseph Klecha
December 7, 1931 ~ May 29, 2021 (age 89) 89 Years Old
Daniel Klecha Obituary
Daniel Joseph Klecha
Daniel walked into the welcoming arms of Jesus on May 29, 2021 after a long wonderful life, and a six year battle with skin cancer. Daniel was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 7, 1931, the second child of John and Wanda Wojciak Klecha. He suffered a heartbreaking loss of his mother when he was 14 months old.
Daniel proudly served in the United States Army from January 1952 until December 1954. He was stationed in Baumholder, Germany were he worked in the motor pool. He remained fiercely patriotic his entire lifetime. He proudly wore his Korean War Veteran cap everywhere he went. Daniel met the love of his life, Elizabeth Antonette Klonowski in May of 1957. They married 6 months later after a whirlwind romance. This past November 23 they celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Daniel overcame the lack of a formal education and became a master diesel mechanic. Could fix just about anything with a motor or engine. Enjoyed hunting and fishing and went out hunting with his family hunters each Thanksgiving morning. Had the gift of organization and orderliness. Had an amazing memory. Was a great (and often creative) communicator. Displayed great humility. Had the gift of distinguishing and describing sounds. Was a true and faithful friend. Experienced and overcame paternal rejection. Overcame the loss of his own mother and the scorn of a stepmother. Overcame a lifelong habit of tobacco. Found his sobriety in 1991 and willingly shared its hope with anyone who needed to hear it. Looked great in a light blue suit. Was a child and worshiper of God. Was a wonderful Dad-in-law, much loved by all who knew him. Always prayed before and appreciated a good meal... especially home cooked. Loved to tell stories. Loved his family with every inch of his being. As a child, he was known as the neighborhood bully with the red wagon, and our Mom hid from him ... then married him many years later. Was not afraid to stand up for what he believed. He as always supportive of his children, and it broke his heart when things didn't work out as they hoped. Taught his daughters that “GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING THEY WANT”. Always encouraged us to be who we are ... no matter what anyone says.
Daniel’s family was his joy! He was hopelessly in love with his wife and was delighted in his family of 8 children: Antoinette – Toni & Ipper, Elizabeth – Liz & Thomas, Daniel – Chris & Sharon, Nathan & Crystal, Anton – Andy & Laura, Phillip & Cindy, Audra & Ryan, and Sarah. He found joy in his role as grandfather and great grandfather. He was lovingly called Grampa Buzzy by his 19 gifted grandchildren, who he adored. William & Tabitha, (Cadence, Aubrey, Liam, Andrew), Robert & Brooke, (Jacen, Elijah), Angeline & Jackson, (Olivia, Isabella), Amanda – who preceded him in death in 2004, Micah, Amelia, Jennifer & Gust, (Colt, Cade, Cam), Daniel & Taryn, Julie & Darryl,(Lance, Reid), Meghan & Shawn, (Faith, Colton, Shawn, Jr.), Taylor, Victoria & Chris, (Audriana), Kristina, (Jasmyn), Antone & April, Ashley & Ron, (Hailie, Kaden), Lauren & Andrew, (Luca), Rachel, Thomas and his partner Courtney, Ellie and their partner Dominic.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity that was important to Daniel: Gary Sinise Foundation https://www.garysinisefoundation.org
Final arrangements are in the care of Sly Family Funeral Home in Middlefield. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. A private graveside military burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
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Services
Private Graveside Service
Donations
Gary Sinise Foundation
PO Box 368, Woodland Hills CA 91365
Web: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org
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