William “Bill” Kleckler was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on January 11, 1943. He was adopted by Lewis William Kleckler and Una Jessop Kleckler as a 10th birthday present for his sister Jane Kleckler (Pickert). He was brought home to live in Dundee, New York. As a young man, Bill excelled at fishing, farm work, football, track, and mischief! He still has many friends in the Dundee area. From an early age, Bill had a very pleasing personality and was extremely social. He never met a stranger! Bill graduated from Dundee Central School in 1961. After graduation, he became a volunteer firefighter for the Dundee Fire Department where he served for 18 years. In 1962, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, traveled the world and served two tours (14 months) in the Vietnam War. In 1968 he returned home to Dundee and fell in love with Joan Hughes, who had two children from a previous marriage, Betty Ann and Billy, and they were married in 1969. They welcomed their only son, Kevin, in 1971. Bill worked as a Union carpenter and bridge builder. Bill and Joan loved to dance and could often be found at Joan’s parents’ restaurant, The Waneta Inn, dancing the night away! They were members of the Dundee Methodist Church. The Kleckler family made their home in Dundee, New York until 1978, when Bill decided to pursue employment 2,000 miles from home in Craig, Colorado. This was a bit of a culture shock for the Kleckler family. Bill bounced around from coal mine to coal mine, including SunCoal, Energy Fuels and WR Haul, and finally landed a mining job for Seneca Mine, Peabody Coal where he worked for 25 years. He and Joan were active in the Craig Congregational church for more than 20 years. Bill’s favorite pastime was golfing. He especially loved to play golf with his son and grandchildren. He also found joy in fishing out of his boat, frequently fishing at Elkhead Reservoir, Harvey Gap, and Rio Blanco Lake; he especially enjoyed landing large-mouth bass. Bill and Joan fell in love with the Craig community and considered it their home. After retirement Bill and Joan moved to Hayden to live next door to Kevin and his family. He took on a security guard job at Tri-State Generation, Craig Powerplant. He loved visiting with people at this job and sharing his wisdom and humor! He worked there for 5 years and created many lasting bonds, but the bond he was most proud of was the deep connection he had with Kevin, Carrie, Andrew, Jenna, and Lewis. Bill absolutely loved watching and admiring all of his grandchildren’s activities and sports. His grandchildren were fortunate to have him as their biggest fan, and to hear his deep voice booming and cheering them on. Bill and Joan enjoyed the Mission of Grace church in Hayden and dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ by becoming “Born Again” and being re-baptized as adults. Bill and Joan loved to travel. They went on 17 cruises in total all over the world, and they had a timeshare in Mexico for more than 15 years. Bill also loved to camp, hunt, shoot and collect guns, watch TV, spend time on Facebook, eat out at restaurants, and hang out with Kevin and his family every chance he got. Bill’s love for his wife Joan was always obvious. His devotion, tenderness, and love was a true joy to see! He cared for her extensively these past 4 years. They were married for 56 years.
The legacy that Bill leaves is his unconditional love for his family, his example of fatherhood, his joy and laughter during good times and bad, and a love and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Savior. His smile and sense of humor were infectious. He loved to flirt and joke, and liked to refer to himself as “Mr. Universe.” Bill made friends everywhere he went and showed genuine interest in everyone he interacted with. Bill was preceded in death by his father Lewis, mother Una, stepfather Walt Brewer, sister Jane Kleckler (Pickert), nephews Jimmy Pickert, Brian Pickert and Wayne Pickert and brother in-law James Amato. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Kleckler (Hughes), children Kevin (Carrie) Kleckler, William (Lisa) Schaefer, Betty Schaefer Hodges, grandchildren Andrew Kleckler, Jenna Kleckler, Lewis Kleckler, Dustin Brown, Brandon Brown, Jason Steed, Mitchell Miesner, Michael Miesner, Kalynn Schaefer, Marcus Schaefer, Alyssa Mattinson, Elise Arnold and Clayton Arnold, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025 at The Journey at First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Craig Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2025 at The Grant Mortuary Chapel. Memorial Donations may be made to The Dundee Fire Benevolent Association in care of Grant Mortuary.
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