Dan Klenke was a man who experienced life to the fullest, always seeking out new adventures, projects, and opportunities for fun. He excelled in every role he took on, from engineer to cowboy to devoted husband, brother, father, and friend. His earthly chapter was cut short on February 16th, 2024, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A native of Edwardsville, Illinois, Dan was born on July 24, 1951 to Reba (Rowlands) and the late Murrell Klenke. He was soon joined by middle sister Diana (Pate) and later surprised by the addition of little sister Cheryl (Veague). In 1973, Dan graduated from the University of Missouri - Rolla where he majored in Mechanical Engineering.
Dan went on to a successful 37-year career at General Electric. But this was far from his only profession. Throughout his life, he was also a trail boss, a pirate, a brewer, an Eagle Scout, a Jack-of-All-Trades and a Master-of-Many. Notorious for his highlighted and tabbed binders, Dan was always planning a trip or seven, often a year in advance. He woke every day with a to-do list ensuring that all tasks were completed in time to savor the beauty of a sunset at happy hour. Dan insisted that each sunset was different so he needed to enjoy them all from his hot tub.
Beyond his résumé and list of honors, his finest role was as leading man in a romance for the ages. If you spent any time with Dan, you knew he “married a cheerleader.” Dan met Connie Gayle Clark in 1977 in a bar. Love for his “Wonder Woman” knew no bounds. Together, they traveled the world and found a live band to play “Mustang Sally” in every town. Each day was filled with love, laughter, and an endless supply of conversation. They raised over a dozen horses, a mule, a liquor cabinet full of dogs, countless pairs of barn kitties, a rotating cast of chickens, one calf purchased at an auction who promptly jumped the fence, and two children - Marlana Hope (Joe Smith) of Pasadena, CA and Dustin Klenke of Washington, MO. Dan was a devoted father who loved his children fiercely.
A beloved uncle of Derek (Anne), Amanda, Sarah (Glen), Amanda (Josh), Danette (George), and Jake, Dan was promoted to the title of “Funcle Dan” through his playful and occasionally daring interactions with his 8 great-nieces and nephews. He cherished these relationships, along with those of his sister-in-law Susan Helm, brothers-in-law Steve Pate, John Veague, and countless friends he considered family. He is preceded in death by his father Murrell, his sister Cheryl, mother and father-in-law Marge and Ira Clark, brother-in-law Walter, and many beloved pets.
Services: In honor of Dan’s zest for life, there will be an opportunity to gather and remember him at the Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge, 19 W. 1st Street., Eureka, MO 63025 this Thursday, February 22 from 1-4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to share stories and raise a glass to honor the incredible life of Dan Klenke, a man who lived each day with passion, purpose, and unwavering love for those around him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Veterans Committee at the Elks Lodge. Checks can be mailed to the Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge, 19 W 1st St., Eureka, MO 63025 Attn: Veterans Committee. Please check back later for a digital donation link. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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