Donald Edward Kleckner
1940-2023
Donald Edward Kleckner, 82, of Rochester, Michigan, passed away on February 22, 2023. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 2, 1940. Donald graduated from Redford High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. He was married to Anna-Marie Suhr on February 25, 1967. Donald had a career in corporate trust for NBD. He was a proud member of Rochester Symphony, Birmingham Strings, St. John Choir and Male Chorus, the Redford Alumni Association, and Delta Chi Fraternity. He had a passion for his family and friends, music, and teaching ESL. Along with his loving wife of 56 years Anna-Marie, Donald is survived by his daughters Anna-Lisa and Kristina (Adam); grandchildren Kayla, Alexandra, John III, and Charlie; sister Janis (John); and nieces Jennifer and Julie. Visitation for Donald will be held on Friday March 3, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, Michigan. He will be in state on Saturday March 4, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rochester Symphony Orchestra and the Music Department of St. John Lutheran Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pixleyfh.com for the Kleckner family.
Chuck Childress (61)
Don was diagnosed with liver cancer before Christmas. He was told to spend time with family and friends.
He did. Anna Marie made sure that all the special people in his life saw him a lot.
He was 2 years older than me so I did not get to know him until he transferred to Wayne State from Michigan. His grandfather gave him a car and word got out in the neighborhood that he could drive to campus rather than us taking the bus.
Don was the safety boy on the corner of Grove and Lamphere when my sister Lyn, brother Ron and I went to Houghton. Lyn was in the class of 59.
I was best man in his wedding. He married Anna Marie who lived 3 doors down on Argus. Dona and I are god parents to their 2 daughters. Our two families grew up together. He was my best friend.
He was very involved with music. He was in the Redford Orchestra playing the viola. He was in the Redford glee club and choir both under Gene Fenby. He believed Gene was one of the persons who made a lifelong impression on his life.
He was a member of the Rochester Synphony, Rochester St John's Lutheran Choir and Mens Chorus.
All of these participated in his funeral. I gave the eulogy.
A great husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He was interred at the Great Lakes National cemetary in Holly recognizing his service in the US Army.
Cameron B. Howie
Fine Job and well said Chuck regards your comments of Don K. Don and I shared space in The Fenby Glee Club, RHS Orchestra and the Chorus! He was always a solid member of all three groups and and his smile made your Day. My thoughts and prayers go to his Wife and Family. Sincerely,Cameron aka Butch Howie.