Harold Theodor Klingenberg, 91, of Freeburg, IL, formerly of New Athens, IL, born December 20, 1928 in Oakdale, IL, passed away on Saturday August 29, 2020 at Cedar Trails Senior Center in Freeburg, IL. With a Master’s degree in education, he worked as a teacher, a principal and ultimately as superintendent of schools in Desoto, IL. He held many leadership positions in the Lions Club, AARP, and St. John United Church of Christ.

Mr. Klingenberg was preceded in death by his wife, Norma M. (Hanser) Klingenberg, whom he married on June 10, 1950 in Edwardsville, IL and who passed away on September 3, 2015, his parents; Theodor and Katherine (Lehman) Klingenberg, three sisters; Elva Lehde, Erma Steinkamp and Alma Moeller, two brothers; Arnold and Howard Klingenberg, one son-in-law; Rodney Anderson and three grandchildren; Cy Anderson, Ludger C. Schilling, III and Paige Kaemmerer.

Harold is survived by his children; Carla (Dennis) Brandt of Denver, IA, Dawn (James) Harwerth of Lenzburg, IL, Beth (Ludger) Schilling of New Athens, IL, Hope (Devin) Kaemmerer of Lenzburg, IL and Harold “Hal” (Marcie) Klingenberg of Jeffersonville, KY, one brother; Waldo (Alene) Klingenberg of Nashville, IL, 21 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Memorials in Harold’s honor may be made to St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL.

Public visitation; Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. on September 1, 2020 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL.  In efforts to keep everyone safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, face masks are required and social distancing must be maintained.

Private family funeral: Private family funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday September 1, 2020 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL with the Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenmount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville, IL

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Thomas Germann says:

   09/17/2020 at 9:13 am

   My deepest sympathy to your family. May God grant you peace and strength during this difficult time.

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2. Nichole, Alexandria, Autumn Anderson says:

   09/01/2020 at 6:32 pm

   Grandpa & Great-Grandpa Harold is so greatly missed by so many. It was an honor to share in his life. From long walks and conversations to his Black Hills vacation and live music when we’d visit, Harold was always happy to visit and let us know how proud he was of us. By his actions and good intentions, Harold leaves an impressive and noble legacy in his surviving family and friends, who are a testament to his love, devotion, resolve, and valor of character. A fine example of a life well lived, actions, relationships, and results we can all aspire to. God Bless You Harold, May God hold you close and keep you, until we meet again. Love, The Anderson Girls in Rapid City, SD. Nicki, Alex, & Autumn Anderson

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3. Nichole, Alexandria, & Autumn Anderson says:

   09/01/2020 at 6:18 pm

   Grandpa & Great-Grandpa Harold will be so missed by so many of us. We are so honored to have shared in his good humor, wisdom, love, and life! Sharing in his Black Hills Vacation, music when we would visit, long walks, and conversations, Harold was always happy to visit! He leaves a noble and impressive legacy. His actions and surviving family are a testament to his faith, love, devotion, resolve, and valor of character. A fine example of life well lived, God Bless and Keep Grandpa Harold, until we all meet again. Love, The Anderson Girls in Rapid City, SD
   Nicki, Alex, & Autumn

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4. Pat Etling says:

   08/31/2020 at 10:32 am

   May flights of Angels sing your dear Father to his rest.

   Beth and family take care at this most tender time. Sincere sympathy to all…. How

   nice your parents are together again to watch over their beloved family.

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5. LaDonna Petri says:

   08/30/2020 at 10:57 pm

   Rest in peace, Mr. Klingenberg, my Lions Club pizza pal! And to my friend Beth and all her family, my sincere sympathy!

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6. Doris Firnkes says:

   08/30/2020 at 9:45 pm

   When my mother lived at Cedar Trails, we ate with Harold many times. He was so proud of each of his children. He had a great smile and loved the life he lived!
   My condolences to his entire family.🙏🏻

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7. H. Dean Jones says:

   08/30/2020 at 1:46 pm

   Dear Relatives of Harold, Ruth and I send are most sincere condolences, we had only lived in Cedar Trials a short when Harold and his wife moved in across the hall, he will be deeply missed,
   Most Sincerely, Dean and Ruth Jones

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8. Lisa Schreiber says:

   08/30/2020 at 9:17 am

   When Dad moved into Cedar Trails he would sit with Harold in the dining room. I sat with them often. Harold was such a nice man who was very proud of his family. My sincere condolences to all.

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9. Larry McGuire says:

   08/30/2020 at 6:39 am

   Lion Harold, you have served your community well. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.

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10. Randall Majzel says:

    08/30/2020 at 12:05 am

    Rest in peace old neighbor. We always had interesting conversations at both New Athens and Freeburg.

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11. Dana M says:

    08/29/2020 at 11:11 pm

    I miss his smile and hearing his stories. May he RIP.

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12. Kimberly Kammler says:

    08/29/2020 at 11:01 pm

    May you rest in eternal peace Harold and my you lace up your running shoes to run like you used to. I will miss your sweet & welcoming smile and you’re greeting me with your normal “hey there kiddo” . You were a very special soul who I am proud to say that I had the pleasure of taking care of & knowing…..you will be dearly missed. Many prayers to the family.🙏🙏

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13. Mary Harris says:

    08/29/2020 at 9:41 pm

    I sure will miss his bright smile and amazing stories everyday at cedar trails! My condolences to the family! ❤️

    Reply