David Gene Kleckner

David Gene Kleckner passed away on July 29, 2025, leaving an indelible mark on many people's lives. Dave was born on July 1, 1955 in Carthage, IL to William and Betty Kleckner. His youth was spent hunting with his dad and sister, taking his brother for reckless bicycle rides, and working on the farm. Later, as a proud Pretzel, he devoted his time at Freeport High School to the marching band (trombone), DeMolay International, and FFA. Shortly after graduating in 1973, Dave enlisted in the Air Force and moved to Southern California, where he was stationed at Norton AFB in San Bernardino for two years. Dave quickly took to the laid-back SoCal lifestyle and partook in one of the most popular past-times of that era and location, cruising E Street in his meticulously kept Plymouth Duster. It was during one of those drives in early 1976 that he met his future wife of almost 49 years, Diana. Dave and Diana married on New Year's Eve of 1976 and moved to Freeport, IL for a short time, with Dave going to back to farmwork. In 1978, he made the decision to head to college and was accepted to Cal Poly Pomona in the Agricultural Sciences department, thus requiring a move back to CA. He graduated from Cal Poly in 1982, and he and Diana welcomed their first-born, Alexis, that same year. In 1984, Dave and Diana purchased their forever home in Rialto, CA when he was hired by the Agricultural Operations department at UC Riverside. They welcomed their second child, Ethan, the following year. Dave ultimately worked at UCR for 34 years, tending to research crops on his tractor, bringing home fresh produce year-round, and taking his kids to the annual Christmas parties where the White Elephant gift exchanges would seemingly last for hours. After his retirement in 2018, Dave established a daily routine of morning walks, running errands, taking care of Diana, and visiting with neighbors. Until the day he passed, Dave religiously kept in touch with his family in IL and old work colleagues, and apprised his kids of local goings-on since they had long moved away. He will forever be remembered for his friendly and outgoing personality, most excellent taste in classic hard rock, steadfast support of his wife, fondness for classic cars, and affinity for "Jeopardy," amongst countless other unique qualities that made him the absolute best husband, father, and brother. Dave's lifelong hobby of collecting model tractors, subscribing to magazines like Illinois Farmer and Toy Farmer, and frequent trips back to IL when his children were younger to visit family and friends all reflected his absolute love for and appreciation of his birth state, even though he was a CA resident most of his life. Farming was always in his blood. Dave is survived by his wife, Diana; children, Alexis (Dan) and Ethan (Tess); grandchildren (six loving kids who will dearly miss their Grandpa/Papa); siblings, Kay (Brian) Edler, Chris (Rhonda) Kleckner, David (Lynn) Merkwan, Mary Roberts; aunt, Karen Nudd; cousins, Stephanie Nudd, Jeff (Carrie) Nudd; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle (JC Nudd), and sister-in-law (Pat Reed). Dave's memorial service will be held in CA at Fontana Mortuary, 8030 Mango Ave, Fontana, CA 92336 on Friday, August 15 th from 2-6pm. A get-together to celebrate and remember him will be held in Illinois on a later date. If interested in attending, please contact Kay Edler at bigeasy261@gmail.com or Chris Kleckner at c.kleck@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Illinois FFA to honor Dave's memory. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of David, please visit our Tree Store.