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John L. Klocke
John Laverne Klocke, born August 18, 1927 in New Rockford, ND, died at the Carrington Health Center on January 2, 2012. John was the oldest son of Frank Klocke and Blanche (Sullivan) Noack. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in New Rockford. John attended the Superior Township country school and the St. James Academy in New Rockford. He joined the Army Air Corp during WWII, serving in the Pacific Theater. John was awarded a WWII Victory Medal and an Occupation Ribbon for defeated Japan. John received an honorable discharge for his military service on September 21, 1947. After the war John returned to the states and worked for a short time in Washington for Boeing Aircraft. John returned home and married his bride of 63 years, Arlene Phyllis Bergrud on October 21, 1948. He farmed for a few years in the New Rockford area and in the mid 1950’s, John went to work in the construction industry, first as a blade operator for Wells County, then for approximately 10 years, a heavy equipment operator/mechanic for Northern Improvement Co. in Fargo and as a gravel pit Foreman/lead mechanic and equipment operator for Weber Construction in New Rockford for 20+ years.
John retired shortly thereafter and loved taking care of his farm west of New Rockford. He was an excellent mechanic, loved to garden and was a great cook. Most of all, he was a wonderful husband who spent his last years taking excellent care of his beautiful wife Arlene that he just lost on November 14, 2011. John will be remembered as a loving Father for all his children and they were all at his side when he passed away. John and Arlene are together again after being separated for only a short seven weeks. They are both together now in the arms of the angels! John is survived by 7 children, Sharon (Walter “Butch”) Lesmeister, New Rockford, Shirley Gross, Carrington, ND, Jerome (Vida) Klocke, Underwood, ND, Jeffrey (Julie) Klocke, Coleharbor, ND, Colleen “Gabbie” (Roger) Benson, Sheyenne, ND, Kenny Klocke, Rozet, WY, Merle (Kelly) Klocke, Silverthorne, CO; 12 grandchildren; Rob Miller, Melanie Martin, Tara Baker, Jesse & Melissa Klocke, Shawn, Billy & Darin Klocke, Travis, Dusty & Chelsey Benson, Secia Klocke; 10 great-grandchildren; Brooklynn & Zachary Miller, Cody & Tyler Martin, Braeden & Ryan Baker, Ashlynn, Rylee, & Aaden Benson, Kasen Klocke, his sister, Mary Ellen Jensen, his brother, Leroy Klocke, and his sister-in-law, Betty Klocke. John was preceded in death by his wife Arlene P. Klocke, an infant son “Little Laverne”, his parents, brother Roger “Micky” Klocke and son-in-law Danny Gross. Instead of floral tributes, the family suggests memorials be sent to Community Ambulance Service, Box 246, New Rockford, or to Raymond B. Thorn American Legion Post #30, 824 Central Ave, New Rockford, ND, 58356
FUNERAL SERVICES: St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford, ND DATE AND TIME: Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10:30 AM INTERMENT: St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford, ND |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Deb Hoffman
Date: 1/9/2012
Message: My heart goes out to the entire Klocke family for another great loss, in the passing of Laverne. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure he is at peace now along with Arlene, surrounded by the angels. May your memories guide you through this difficult time.
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Name: Tania and Ron Teke
Date: Jan.7, 2012
Message: Merle,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Father. our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
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Name: Carmen Pierson Johnson
Date: 1-7-2012
Message: Hi Colleen, So sorry to hear about both your Mom and Dad. It must be very difficult to lose them so close together. They are now together in Heaven. You will be in my thouths and prayers. My sympathy to your whole family.
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Name: Randy Laber
Date: 1/06/2012
Message: God Bless you Jeff and the rest of your family.Now your Mom and Dad are together again as my are. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Name: Kelly L Klocke
Date: 1/5/2012
Message: My thoughts and prayers reach out to you, I didn't really have the opportunity to know My uncle Laverne really, But growing up there were many times I would listen to my Dad "Mickey" talk about the time he spent with his Dad Frank, And his brother Laverne in New Rockford at the farm. My Dad really admired both of them, And always talked about how those two could fix anything. He would always talk the farm and all the hard work there was and how strong Laverne was. I remember always wondering what New Rockford was like and how it would have been to know Frank and Laverne. The one time I can remember going to New Rockford was when I was around ten and we went to uncle petes and he let my brother and I ride on a horse he had there. I thought New Rockford was such a cool little town after seeing it as an adult when we were there for Aunt Arlene's Funeral, Until then I just imagined what it was like. I had never seen My Grandpa Franks headstone up until then and noticed a lot of familiar names in the cemetery. The trip really put some things in perspective for me !
and glad to hear of the similarities in the family, Like the mechanical ability we seemed to be blessed with. I have yet to bring in a vehicle for repair or service, And do all my maintenance on my Harley. I guess what I'm trying to say in all this, Is even though I didn't know them that well personally, It sure seems like the Klocke's have a lot in common. All of this has reminded me that it's been 13 years since my Dad passed away, And I still miss him a lot. I feel for you all and have you in my thoughts And prayers.
Angie and I are planning to attend on sat, Along with my sister Linda and possibly her husband Greg.
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Name: Roger Ryan
Date: 01-04-2012
Message: My Prayers & Condolences go out to the Klocke Family.
I know you all.
I understand your loss and I belive in Angels.
I have so many fond memory's of the Klocke home.
Laverne and Arlene are like second parents to me as 2/3rds of child hood was in there home.
I will always remember Laverne's Smile and laugh.
I spent many nights over at the Klocke home and one night stands out from the rest.
Merle and I where out late the night and as always it didn't matter what time you got in you still got up early.
So Merle and I are not moving very fast early the next morning, you know a late night out.
We come down stairs and Laverne is setting at the Kitchen Table, He just sat there Grinning, smoking his Pipe never saying a word, Just Smiling from Ear to Ear,smoking his pipe, grinning and not saying a word. We make Eye contact and with out Laverne saying a word, you knows exactly what he is thinking. You dumb asses you will never learn!! He never did say anything and we went on our way.
I have great respect for Laverne, He always treated me like a son.
When there was trouble we all ran. When we got caught, I got it like the rest of them. That Black Belt that hung on the wall.
I feel sad Laverne has past and at the same time I am happy for him as I truly belive it is GOD's calling. He loved his Beloved Wife Arlene so much that I know it broke his heart and he could not live without her. I belive he truly is at Peace.
They both have left and impact on my life and my heart goes out to the Klocke Family for ther loss.
I will always remember and I will never forget all of the Blessed memories I have of them.
Roger Ryan
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Name: Tim and Marissa Wishart
Date: 01/05/2012
Message: Sorry to hear of your dads passing. We really enjoyed taking care of him and will miss him. Sorry we won't be able to make it home for the funeral, but remember we will be thinking of you all during this time of loss.
Love,
Tim and Marissa Wishart
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Name: Cathy (Ryan) Halvorson
Date: 01/04/12
Message: Some people make vows, some people live their vows. Your Mom & Dad most certainly did the latter. They have shown strength, humility, humor and most important, love.
May the love you have in your hearts bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
There are new angels in heaven, which has been given a special place because of Laverne & Arlene.
All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Their legacy will live on in the thoughts of friends, loved ones, and we will always remember them and their wonderful spirit.
Thinking of you all and wishing we could be there.
Hugs,
Cathy & Terry Halvorson
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Name: John J. KLocke
Date: 1/4/12
Message: To all of you Klocke cousins, please know that I and my wife are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts. I was glad to see you all at your Mom's passing and unfortunatley won't be able to make it up on Saturday, but know that my heart and is with you. God Bless each and every one of you!
Love,
Your cousin, John J. Klocke (Lee's son)