Henry Joseph Kleffner

Henry Joseph Kleffner, age 98, of Westphalia, formerly of Brinktown, departed this life on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at his residence in Westphalia, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 22, 1922, in Maries County, a son of Theodore Joseph and Theresa Philomena (Lischwe) Kleffner. On November 6, 1942, at St. Louis, Mr. Kleffner entered active federal service in the United States Navy and served until March 14, 1946, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Ships Serviceman L Third Class. He was awarded and entitled to wear the American Area Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with two stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. A man of excellent character, Mr. Kleffner's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country during World War II. Henry was united in marriage on September 26, 1953, at St. Anthony, to the former Miss Bonita Mary Buechter, and to this union, three children were born. He was a faithful and devoted member of the Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Brinktown, and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church while living in Westphalia. He was also a member of the Lischwe-Brandel American Legion Post No. 354, Brinktown; the Argyle Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America Post 8045, Argyle; and the Argyle Knights of Columbus Council 2047. Henry was a lifelong farmer and dairyman in Maries County until his retirement and moving to Brinktown in 1986. Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Kleffner include: His children, Judy Stegeman and husband Tom of Westphalia, Doris Dorge and husband Bill of Wardsville, and Henry G. Kleffner and wife Lynn of Meta; nine grandchildren, Lindsey Thomas (Gary), Tyler Stegeman (Karli), Kelly Stegeman (friend, Ben Neuner), Dustin Dorge (Katie), Craig Dorge (Hannah), Natalie Dorge, Ashley Woods (Tyler), Chase Kleffner (fiancée, Leann Campbell), Paige Kleffner (fiancé, Garrett Eskens); one step-grandson, Dustin Layton (Danielle); 11 great-grandchildren, Rylee Thomas, Olivia Stegeman, Charlotte Stegeman, Sawyer Dorge, Jaxon Dorge, Barrett Dorge, Elliott Dorge, Morgyn Woods, Myles Woods, Henley Woods, and Thatcher Woods; one step-great-granddaughter, Laynee Layton; three sisters, Rita Poettker, Sister Monica Kleffner, and Bernadine Hughes; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonita; his father, Theodore; his mother, Theresa; four brothers, Norbert Kleffner, Joseph Kleffner, Lambert Kleffner and Liborius Kleffner; and one sister, Frances Wuebbels. Visitation for Mr. Henry Joseph Kleffner will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2020, with a Rosary Service at 8:30 a.m. by Argyle Knights of Columbus Council 2047, in the Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 37515 Highway N, Brinktown, MO 65443, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Anthony J. Viviano, as the celebrant. Interment, with memorial ceremony by Argyle VFW Post 8045 and full military honors, will be in the Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery, Brinktown, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna. Pallbearers for Mr. Kleffner will be Tyler Stegeman, Dustin Dorge, Craig Dorge, Chase Kleffner, Gary Thomas, and Tyler Woods. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Henry Joseph Kleffner are suggested by his family for Masses, the Guardian Angels Cemetery, the Restore Our Roots Campaign at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Westphalia, with envelopes available at the Church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna MO 65582. Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Henry Joseph Kleffner at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com