Henry Joseph Kleffner, 98, Westphalia, formerly of Brinktown, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 22, 1922, to Theodore Joseph and Theresa Philomena (Lischwe) Kleffner, in Maries County.
He was united in marriage to Bonita Mary Buechter, Sept. 26, 1953, at St. Anthony.
Henry served in the U.S. Navy during WWII at the rank of Ships Serviceman L Third Class. He was awarded and entitled to wear the American Area Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with two stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Brinktown, and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church while living in Westphalia. He was also a member of Lischwe-Brandel American Legion Post No. 354, Brinktown, the Argyle VFW Post 8045 and the Argyle Knights of Columbus Council 2041. Henry was a lifelong farmer and dairyman in Maries County until his retirement and moving to Brinktown in 1986.
He was preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Theresa; brothers, Norbert, Joseph, Lambert and Liborius Kleffner; and sister, Frances Wuebbels.
He is survived by children, Judy Stegeman and husband Tom of Westphalia, Doris Dorge and husband Bill of Wardsville and Henry G. Kleffner and wife Lynn of Meta; sisters, Rita Poettker, Sister Monica Kleffner and Bernadine Hughes; and nine grandchildren, one step-grandson, 11 great-grandchildren and one step-great-granddaughter.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Brinktown, with Rev. Anthony J. Viviano as celebrant. Interment was in the Guardian Angels Cemetery, Brinktown. Memorial contributions suggested to masses, the Guardian Angels Cemetery or the Restore Our Roots Campaign at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Westphalia.
Arrangements entrusted to Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.
