Claude E. Klenke, 86, of LaSalle, IL, passed away, on Monday, July 4, 2016, at the Illinois Veterans' Home, in LaSalle.

Funeral Services will be at 11 A/M, on Friday, July 8, 2016, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, in Scales Mound, with Pastor Kathy Lynn officiating. Burial will be in the Scales Mound Township Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post #298.

Visitation is after 9:30 A/M, Friday, at the funeral home.

Claude was born October 12, 1929, in Scales Mound, son of Louis and Mary (Stauss) Klenke. He married Millicent J. Nork, on October 31, 1953, in Chicago, IL. She preceded him in death on April 19, 1995.

He was educated in a one-room schoolhouse in Scales Mound before leaving to work on the family farm. He joined the United States Marine Corp (PFC) and served in the Korean War 1952-1953. He was a life long farmer in rural Apple River for many years and after moving in town he worked at various places including Apple River Feed & Seed. He was a member of the Apple River Presbyterian Church, American Legion Post #298 and the Apple River Volunteer Fire Department.

Surviving are four (4) children, Clifford Klenke, of Apple River, IL, Doris Klenke, of Champaign, IL, Donna (Victoria) Avelino, of Decatur, IL, and Clayton (Cindy) Klenke, of Springfield, IL; three (3) grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua, and Grace Klenke, of Springfield, IL; nieces, June (Jerry) Hancock, Diane Johnson, Debbie (Gary) Block, and Doreene (Brad) Crapp; and nephew, Del Houy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Friedericka Rogers and Imly Houy; brothers, Cedric, Orrin, and Glen; nieces, Linda Phillips and Lois Marie Rogers; and nephew, Kevin Klenke.

A special "thank you" to the nurses and staff of the Illinois Veterans' Home, LaSalle, for extending care, comfort, and dignity during his twelve (12) years as a resident.

Memorial may be given to the Illinois Veterans' Home, 1016 Oconor Avenue, LaSalle, IL 61301

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com