Klesener
Dennis J. Klesener, 86, of Fort Madison, Iowa formerly of Nauvoo, Illinois, passed away at 1:37 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
He was born on April 23, 1939 at home in St. Paul, Iowa the son of Bernard H. and Genevieve K. (Koellner) Klesener. On June 27, 1959 he married Barbara Siegfried at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Survivors include his wife Barb; two daughters: Jeanne Hellige of Fort Madison, Iowa, Kathy (Russ) Kramer-Franklin of Fort Madison, Iowa; daughter-in-law Angela Klesener of Nauvoo, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Mike (Mary) Hellige, Susan (David) Jefferies, Sarah (BJ) Pollpeter, Nicholas Klesener, Amy Kramer, Amber Peck, Brandon Russell, Dustin (Samantha) Russell; and eleven great grandchildren: Eric, Kaleb, Alex, Jackson, Madison, Connor, Mason, Tanner, Wesley, Ben, Sam.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Randy; brother Charles; son-in-law Virgil Hellige; sisters: Sr. Roberta Klesener SSSF, Ann Sanford; and two great grandsons.
Dennis retired from John A. Kraus Company in Nauvoo. He served on the Nauvoo Fire Department from 1965 to 2015 where he served as fire chief for many years. He served in the United States National Guard for eight years. Dennis was a member of the Nauvoo Knights of Columbus, Nauvoo Township Board, Nauvoo Chamber of Commerce, Hancock County Audit Board, and the Isaac Walton Club. He coached little league for several years. Dennis enjoyed gardening, woodworking, fishing, and going on cruises.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo.
The Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo with Pastor Mark Anderson officiating.
Burial will be in the Nauvoo City Cemetery.
Memorials have been established in his memory for Nauvoo Fire & Rescue.
Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at
www.sbbfuneralhome.com.
