Joseph F. Klecan

Joseph F. Klecan, 93, Hanover, died Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the Hanover Hospital. Visitation will be Friday, April 8, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hanover Mortuary. A rosary vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m., at St. John's Catholic Church in Hanover. The family will greet friends one hour before the vigil service. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, at St. John's Catholic Church in Hanover. The family will greet friends one hour before the funeral mass. Burial will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Joseph Francis Benedict Klecan was born on April 11, 1928 on the family farm in Hanover, Kansas, and passed peacefully to his forever home on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the Hanover Hospital ISB surrounded by family. The following is his life written in his own words 11 years ago. “I am Joseph F. Klecan. I was born and raised on the Klecan family farm, which was purchased by my grandfather Ignatius Klecan in the year 1908, for my father Joseph Klecan. I grew up in a simple farm life. My education was only 8 grades in the Herynk country school, about 2 miles from home. After school I began doing farm labor for all my neighbors and helping my father, and later farmed the farm. In my early 20s I was drafted into the Army. I served in Korea for a year. After my discharge, I worked for Beechcraft in Wichita. When my brother was drafted, I came home to do the farming which I did most of my life. Later in life I did carpenter work. In 1956 I married my wife Ileta, in Baileyville, Kansas. We called this farm home for almost 53 years. We raised our five daughters and 2 sons here on the farm. I am proud of my wife & kids and of my service to our country. I also think the Hanover community is one of the finest in the country.” Joe’s faith was a key to his happy life. He was a lifetime member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Hanover, and over the years served as a Religious Education teacher, lector, a member of Knights of Columbus, and also on Parish Council. His kids all attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Hanover High School. Joe and Ileta prayed the Rosary with Mother Angelica on EWTN for many years, passing that love of the Rosary on to his children. Joe was also a member of the American Legion for 68 years. Joe leaves behind his five daughters: Jeri Tegtmeier and husband Eugene in Hanover, Teresa Van Sandt in Cypress, TX, Kate Bettencourt and husband John in Wamego, Linda Huettenmueller and husband Ron in Garnett, Donna Vincent and husband Cory in Spring, TX, and two sons: Larry Klecan and wife Shana in Wamego, and Steve Klecan and wife Jen in Olathe: 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He left us to join our Lord in heaven along with his wife of almost 64 years, Ileta, his granddaughter, Kaleigha, his brothers Orville and Joseph, his sisters Madeline, Merle and Emily, and his parents, Emilie and Joseph Klecan. Joe always had a joke or a story to tell. His hard work, his humility, honesty, and kindness to all, his acceptance of whatever came his way without complaint, willingness to help others, and his faith in God are his legacies for us all. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. A memorial fund to be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary. Video of funeral for Joseph Klecan To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph F. Klecan, please visit our flower store.