Franklin B. Kleckner

Franklin B. Kleckner

Franklin B. Kleckner, 77, of Lehighton, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in his home while in the tender care of his beloved wife, Mary M. (Densmore) Kleckner.

Born on Sunday, Feb. 17, 1946, in Shenandoah, he was adopted by his grandmother, Ella Kleckner, who raised him with loving care.

Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Marilee L. Kleckner, who died on May 11, 2013. He was also predeceased by his father, Edward Kleckner, and his sisters, Gertrude Tatusko, Kim E. Faust and Elizabeth DeLong.

Surviving are three sons, Rick Reding, and his wife, Teresa, Frank (Paki) Wilson and Todd Kleckner, and his wife, Dierdre; a daughter Erin, wife of Matt Gursky; a brother, Timothy E. Kleckner, and his wife, Sandy; stepchildren, Marji, wife of Bob Hines, Jacqueline Fisher and David King; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A graduate of Tamaqua High School, Frank was a member of the football team and was an ardent supporter of the Tamaqua Blue Raiders.

He enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War and served honorably until he was wounded. In later years, Frank expressed his loyalty to the Marine Corps by being a lifetime member of the Marine Corp League of Kauai, Hawaii. He served many years as the coordinator of the Toys for Tots Drive for the entire island. "Once a Marine Always a Marine!"

Frank owned and operated Timberline Construction in Northern California, where he was a respected building contractor for many years.

Frank loved watching football and was a devoted football fan of Notre Dame, Penn State, the Raiders and the Eagles.

Frank's constant companion was his beloved service dog Gizmo.

Service: Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Thursday, April 13, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 243 Lafayette Ave., Palmerton. Interment, Kauai Veterans Cemetery Kauai, Hawaii. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Contributions in his name may be made to the Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. Online condolences or a fond memory of Frank can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.