Wilfred Kleitsch May 26, 1927 – Nov. 19, 2018

      Wilfred Henry Kleitsch, 91, of Monticello died Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at home with his loving wife, Rita, at his side.

      A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church with burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monticello.  Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate. 

      Wilfred was born May 26, 1927, at home in Cascade the son of Nick and Carrie (Kurt) Kleitsch.  He attended rural schools until the eighth grade.  Wilfred worked on his family farm.  He married his wife Verna (Finn) and to this union were born five daughters.  He farmed and lived in Sand Springs for many years until marrying the Love of his Life, Rita (Sternhagen/Pejchl) on March 2, 1974.  To this union their son Rodney was born. Wilfred was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He loved attending dances and playing pinochle with his wife Rita and brother-in-law, Robert Leonard and sister-in-law Lois Leonard.  He always looked forward to playing cards with his family on brother/sister Sunday’s every month.

      Wilfred continued to farm his 80 acres and then retired from farming.  He started working for Don Stickles Farms and enjoyed every day hauling bulls all over Iowa and surrounding states.  He retired in 2012, after moving to town.  Upon moving to town Wilfred looked forward to everyday visits at the Truck Stop with the coffee crew. 

      He loved watching his grandchildren grow up and enjoyed his time spent with them.  He always had a word of advice for them and was always ready to lend a helping hand.  He loved family gatherings, always hosting the 4^th of July lunch, and the holidays were his favorite with the entire family gathered around him. 

      Survivors include his wife, Rita, daughters: Sue (John) Gilenwater of West Branch, Sally (Ron) Hylton of Urbana, Joanne (John)Edwards of Monticello, Patti (Bob) Balsinger of Cedar Falls, Pam (Al) Westemeier of Coggon, Shirley (Jeff) Stadtmueller of Monticello and Lynn (Bruce) Caplin of Conn., and sons: Randy (Kendra) Pejchl of Monticello and Rodney (Suzanne) Kleitsch of Waukee, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings: Leona Onken, Sr. Ruth Kleitsch, Edwin Kleitsch, and Irvin Kleitsch; in-laws: Robert Hosch, Robert and Lois Leonard, Don and Sandy Sternhagen, Tom and Mary Takes, and several nieces and nephews.

      He was preceded in death by his  parents, parents-in-law, William Sternhagen, and step-father-in-law, Frank (Grace) Miller, his first wife, Verna, a brother, Carl (Mary) Kleitsch, and a sister, Marion Hosch; in-laws: Alve Onken, Doloris Kleitsch, Carol Kleitsch, Fred and Lorraine Hunter, Rhinehart and Helen Topping and Cecil and Marlene Boner.

      The family wishes to thank Dr. Hodgman and Mercy Hospital, Above and Beyond Hospice, and Shirley Stadtmueller for the loving care given to him in the last few weeks.

      Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.