Marcella Kloeckner

Marcella Doretta Kloeckner, 91, of St. Johns was welcomed into her eternal home Dec. 7, 2008, being greeted by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and a heavenly host of family and friends who prepared her place with them. A warm and loving person, Marcella enjoyed talking and “visiting” with both long-time friends and new acquaintances. She had a special talent for making everyone feel comfortable and at ease, becoming a Mom, Sister and Grandmother to many loved ones beyond her immediate family. Marcella loved animals, giving and receiving joy in caring for an assortment of pets and farm critters. She enjoyed all aspects of God's creation, particularly the natural beauty of the seasons as displayed in the colors of autumn leaves and the fresh, green grass of spring.

She also loved music and the arts as evidenced in numerous sketches, ceramic pieces and poems that she produced as a young girl and later in her adult life. Baking homemade bread, cookies, pies and other treats was part of her regular, weekly routine. Marcella shared her love of food with family and friends, enjoying companionship and conversation around the dinner table and in visits by friends and neighbors. Marcella was born April 17, 1917, the only child of Henry and Doretta Witt. She was a life-long resident of Clinton County, living her entire life in the home on Forest Hill Road in Riley Township where she was born, until her admittance in August 2003 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor. There, she enjoyed the love of compassionate caregivers throughout her slow decline with Alzheimer's Disease.

She was married to the love of her life, Clemens Mathias Kloeckner, Jan. 29, 1941 in Fowler. He preceded her in death May 22, 2003. They worked together on their centennial farm, providing a home filled with love and constant support to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marcella was a life-long member of St. Peter Lutheran Church-Riley, being active in the Ladies Aid Society and volunteering in many capacities throughout her youth and adult life. While her formal education concluded with graduation in eighth grade at Pratt Road School, Marcella never stopped learning. She enjoyed spirited conversations with her grandchildren, providing opinions on matters large and small. Although they are sad for themselves and will miss her dearly, surviving family members are joyous that her mind and body have been set free from human frailties.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Rollie and Marilyn Kloeckner of Watertown Township; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Wayne Dedyne of St. Johns; son-in-law Duane Stearns of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Mike (Marie) Stearns of Grand Rapids, Lisa (Brian) Lancaster of Jenison, Aaron (Karrie) Gaffney of Charlevoix, Brent (Carrie) Gaffney of St. Johns; great-grandchildren, Amelie and Nathan Stearns, Tyler and Jake Lancaster, Ella, Jack and Joe Gaffney, and Gwendolyn, Caleb and Gabrielle Gaffney; step-grandson, Doak Klasko of Burt; sister-in-law, Leone Kloeckner of Fowler; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She joins her husband and their first-born child, Cheryl Lynn Stearns in heaven. Sherry passed from this life six weeks ago, Oct. 24, 2008.

Funeral services are set for 11:00 a.m., Dec. 11, 2008, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Riley Township, with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m., Dec. 10th at the Osgood Funeral Home 104 E. Cass St. in St. Johns. Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hazel Findlay Country Manor, or the Alzheimer's Assoc.