FAIRBANK: Norbert L. Kleitsch of Fairbank died Thursday March 10, 2011 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein Ia. after a lenghthy illness.
He was born June 27, 1925 in Walker Ia. the son of John and Anna (Abeln) Kleitsch.
He married Loyola Burke on Sept. 10, 1947 in Hazleton Ia.
Norbert was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 65 years. He was also a member of the Fairbank American Legion for over 60 years. He also served as an usher at I.C. Catholic Church for over 50 years. He served in the Army-Air Force during WWII. Norbert retired from Deere & Company after 25 years of employment, he also farmed until his retirement.
Survived by: His wife Loyola; 4 sons, Kenny (Judy) Kleitsch of Morrison Colorado, Tom Kleitsch, Craig (Jeanne) Kleitsch all of Fairbank and Jim (Tami) Kleitsch of Sumner. 4 daughters, Mary Ann Kleitsch, Susan (Pat) Shannon, Jean (Mitch) Saurbrei all of Fairbank and Gail (Dennis) Goedken of Aurora. 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 1 sister Margaret Kane of Maynard along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death: By his parents, 3 brothers; Edward, Orville and Dale and 1 sister Marie Allen and a granddaughter Andrea Shannon.
Services: will be at 10:30 am on Monday March 14 at I.C. Church in Fairbank with burial and military rites by Fortsch Duffy Post 552 at I.C. Cemetery in Fairbank. Public vivitation from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday March 13 at the funeral home, with a 5:30 K.C. Rosary and a 7:00 pm Scripture Service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Alzheimers Association or to the family.
Condolences for Norbert L. Kleitsch
We are thinking of you. God Bless. Bobbie
To Lyola and all the kids,
We are so sorry to hear of Norberts’ passing. He will always be remembered for his smile, sense of humor, and generosity. I will also remember him as a very patient man as well, considering some of the things I did as a kid while visiting in the summers.
While Norberts’ passing is a huge loss to everyone, we know that he no longer has any afflictions, pain, and is in the comfort of our God and savior. This is our solice that we will be glad and take comfort in it.
I know that each of you, are the great person you are today, because of Norberts’ influence and wisdom. He has left all of you as his legacy to his time here on earth. He is so proud of that, and I know he’s smiling thnking of it now.
While we are not with you personally, we are with you in thought and spirit. I will always cherish you all, and am so gratefull you are my family. May God bless bless and keep you.
Bob & Linda
So very sorry to hear about your lose. Your family will be our prayers.
Loyola,
Kenny,Mary Ann, Susan, Tom, Craig, Gail, Jean, Jim and famileis.
Please except my sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. I know he will be greatly missed.
Sorry, I could not offer my sympathy in person but I am not feeling well.
Loyola and family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and thank you
for all the happy memories we have from our time as friends and neighbors.
Maury and Verni Schmitz
So sorry I couldn’t be there Grandpa. I will love you always and will never forget your kind and gentle heart. You were the ultimate joker. Your laugh could fill up a room. I will never forget you rubbing your whiskers on me as a child just to hear me giggle. You were an excellent woodsman. I will cherish my cedar chest always. You were an amazing father, husband and grandfather. I never heard you raise your voice to anyone nor did I ever remember you ever getting upset with anyone. You loved people and people loved you. I will never forget the day after your surgery in 2001 when you were able to wear that green shirt you had bought in Hawaii. It had een hanging in your closet for years. You had lost so much weight due to that surgery you came out of the bedroom just beaming. It still makes me laugh. You were so happy that day. And then, the most recent memory is when I saw you for the last time over Thanksgiving 2010. I brought my family to the nursing home where you got to meet your great grand daughter for the first time. You had such a good day. You held my daughter and talked to her and she just laughed. You got see my son that day too. You just loved playing with him and he gave you the biggest hug and said, ” I love you Papa Kleitsch.” Your grandchildren and great grandchildren will miss you. We loved you so.
To all the Kleitsch family: We are sorry for your loss of a great father, brother, friend and brother in law to many. Blessings to you all and treasure all the wonderful memories of Norbert while he was able to enjoy his time with you all. Whenever I would see your folks they highly spoke of you kids and your families. He will be missed but you share wonderful memories. Be there for your mom and each other and always be close. I’m sorry we were unable to make it to the visit or funeral due to our own illnesses, will write you a letter soon. Norbert is now at peace and no longer suffering and someday we will all join him and others we love. Remember God only takes the best and your dad was one of those he chose.
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the recent loss of your husband & father.
Ed & Georgia Miller
Loyola & family,
Just wanted to let you know that you have all been in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss & pray that you may find comfort in knowing that God our father now holds him in his arms where there is no longer pain & suffering. Cherish those happy times and the wonderful memories that you share.
Trish Curley
Jeanne and Craig and families,
Thinking about you during this time, I’m sorry about the loss of your dad. Linda