Willis Klebsch

Willie's Tribute Video

The heart and strength of our family, Willis Klebsch, 73, of Highmore, passed away from this world suddenly on Friday, October 8, 2010 at Highmore Health.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Highmore with Father Paul Nereparmpil officiating. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Highmore.  Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 11, 2010 at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service.

Willis was born on November 19, 1936 to Chauncey and Irene (Sporrer) Klebsch in Faulkton, South Dakota.  He lived his first four years on a farm northwest of Miller, South Dakota.  The family bought a farm north of Highmore and that is where he grew up.  He had a sister Rosella and a brother Kenny.  He helped do chores around the farm and once in a while when his mom was short a card player he would “have to” play with the “old ladies.”  He said some of them had quite a temper.

Willis attended grade school at Hamilton and high school at Highmore, graduating in 1955.  He married his sweetheart, Shirley Hirsch on May 28, 1956.  To this union, four children were born: Babby, Mark, Lynn and Lorie.  Even though his kids are grown adults, we all still went to Dad for advice and comfort.  He was a very knowledgeable and wise man and was always there for his family.

Willis worked at the Experiment Farm a while after they were first married.  He then went to work for Luman Petersen.  He later bought a farm from Luman and started farming and raising feeder cattle with his family.  In April of 1983, he retired due to health issues and moved to town.  This is where he pursued his favorite past time of fishing, fishing and more fishing.  He always had time for coffee, an ear to listen to anyone, and a good card game.  He lost his greatest love in 1990 from cancer.  He loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play baseball, basketball and whatever else he could attend.  Due to health issues, he moved to the Healthcare Center in 2007.  Willis still pursued his love for fishing, only in story-form now.  He enjoyed the “coffee group” that came to the healthcare center and played Bingo on Thursday’s.

Willis spent many years on the township and school boards.  He had a knack for listening to both sides of a situation and making decisions to do what was best for all parties involved.

Blessed to have been a part of Willis’ life are his children: Babby and John Blair of Highmore and family, Heath and Danelle, Kassie and Dawson; Mark and Mary Lee Klebsch of Holabird and family, Bob, Darin and Avah; Lynn and Dan Klein of Lehr, North Dakota and family, Shannon, Amber and special friend Jeremy; Lorie and Brad Ryan of Highmore and family, Kristi, Kayla and Trevor; his sister, Rosella Olsen and brother, Kenny and Shirley Klebsch and families.

We are comforted by the fact that waiting on the other side to greet Willis was the love of his life, Shirley; along with his parents, Chauncey and Irene; and grandson, Jesse Klebsch.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Willie’s arrangements.