Born: February 1, 1952 - Deceased: 20230307
Gary L. Klemme, 71, of Belleville, IL, passed away at his home on March 7, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary graduated from Belleville West High School in 1970 and earned a Master’s degree from SIUE. He was a proud business owner of Centreads Automotive and enjoyed working with his children in retirement. Gary was an Eagle Scout and active member of the Boy Scouts of America, a former Board Member of Call For Help, and a participant in many other community organizations. He believed in leaving his community a better place than he found it and extending a hand to those in need. He loved the outdoors and had a special flair for life. Most of all, he cherished his time with his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 42 years, a loving father to his 4 children, a loving grandfather to his 5 grandchildren, and a loyal friend to many. He will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Norman D. and Eileen L., nee Kraus, Klemme
Surviving are his:
- Wife: Alesia, nee Schmale, Klemme of Belleville, IL
- Children
- Aaron (Chrisie) Klemme of Columbia, IL
- Adrienne Haas of Millstadt, IL
- Alexander (Kayla) Klemme of Columbia, IL
- Andrew Klemme of Millstadt, IL
- Grandchildren
- Melanie Klemme
- Mallory Klemme
- Blaire Klemme
- Cameron Haas
- Parker Haas
- Sisters
- Carol (Bruce) Bowers
- Peggy (Michael) Kumke
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Saint Louis University Cancer Center
Visitation: Visitation from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Dr. Joe Scheets officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
16 Comments
Sorry for your loss and I’m sorry I can’t make the funeral service for you and your family. I knew Gary from my time in Boy Scouts.
Gary loved his family and made everyone around him better. Always cheerful and could connect with anyone. He will be missed. We can’t imagine the void this leaves in his family’s lives but we know the memories he left fill their hearts with strength in this hard time. Our thoughts are with you all.
Dear Klemme Family,
So very sorry for your loss.
Gary blessed all his friends and neighbors to which I attest with gratitude. He was a friend to everyone.
Aaron, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a good man. Please convey our condolences to your family
Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your whole family. My heart goes out to all of you. I know the struggle of fighting off cancer well with my Michael. Sorry, we will not be able to make the viewing due to doctors appointments that day! Always in our prayers and thoughts. Love Michael and Cindy
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Alesia.
We are so sorry for the loss of Gary, Alesia. Even though it’s been a while since we saw you guys, it was always a good time.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Tony & Suzanne LoBosco
Sorry for your loss, Aaron and Alex.
Yours will be in our family’s prayers.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Prayers for peace and comfort during these difficult days. Let happy memories lighten your heavy hearts.
So sorry for your families loss.
Deepest sympathy for the Klemme family. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the services because I am out of town. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss my dear friend greatly.
Gary was my the first Boy Scout scoutmaster. I will always remember fondly memories riding in his truck and camping as a child. He was the first person I can remember who treated me like an adult (or made me feel like one anyway) He most definitely made the world a little brighter with his warm smile and kind manner. He had a very special way of making whoever he was talking to feel like the most special person in the world and he will be dearly missed. I’m so sorry to see him go. Please accept my mother’s presence at the service on behalf of all of us Herrmanns as distance prevents the rest of us from attending in person. We all wish we could be there, you are all very much in our thoughts. He was SUCH a very special man.
Our deepest condolences for your loss. We hope that you may find peace and comfort in the memories you have with him.
With love,
C. A. Jones Inc Team
To the Klemme family …
While I have not actually met most of you, I have known Carol for many years; we have lots of great memories. I don’t think I ever met Gary; but after reading the above comments and messages, along with hearing about him from Carol over the years, I find myself wishing I had known him. I’m sure he will be missed by everyone who was privileged to have had a relationship with him. You all will continue to be in my prayers.
Love in Christ,
Bonnie Prine
Cousin Alesia, I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Prayers to you and your family.