Dennis Klenke

Dennis H. Klenke, 74, of Houstonia, MO passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017 at his home as a result of a tractor accident. He was born on January 7, 1943 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Herbert and Viola Rose (Peters) Klenke, who preceded him in death. On December 3, 1989 in Houstonia, he was united in marriage to Janice (Rife) Smith, who resides of the home. Dennis was in sales most of his life.? He was employed by?Waste Corporation in Sedalia. He was always very involved in the communities he lived in.? He was a founding member of the Central Missouri Ag Club, a member of Knights of Columbus #831,?active in the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, and attended the Chamber Leadership of Sedalia Classes. When he lived in Washington, MO, Dennis was President of the Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals and was Chairman of the Washington Town and Country Fair in 1983. He was an active member of the Lion's Club, Jaycees, and took every opportunity to volunteer with many other clubs and organizations.

Dennis was full of life, love and always wore a smile. He was a classy man that never met a stranger. He loved to whistle songs and always lend a helping hand. He taught his children the value of contributing to the community you live in, and always being a good steward to family and friends. Dennis loved his children and grandchildren like no other and attended every event of theirs he could. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. In addition to his wife Janice, he is also survived by two daughters, Jill Poepsel and her husband Tim of Washington, MO and Kelly Basler and her husband Bran of Imperial, MO; a son, Jeff Klenke of Fishers, IN; a step son, Arron Smith and his wife Casey of Houstonia; 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Shelby, Weston, Brenden, Meghan, Carson, Will, Jamie, Aubrey and Karli Ann; three great grandchildren, Kylie, Brooklyn and Case; a brother, Jerry Klenke and his wife Rose of Arkansas; two sisters, Jane VanLeer and Miriam Sieve and her husband Dan all of Union, MO; several nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Randy Rife and his wife Mary of Sedalia. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Jim VanLeer. A Memorial mass of christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Mark Miller C.PP.S officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia. Prayers of the Rosary will be said at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Knights of Columbus Prayer. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Missouri AG Club in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.