Anthony J. Kleber

Anthony J. “Corky” Kleber, age 88 of Carlyle, passed away at SSM St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Centralia on Saturday, March 16, 2024. 

Mr. Kleber was born in Carlyle on March 30, 1935, a son of Harry and Ruby (Boatright) Kleber.  He married Mildred Taylor and they were later divorced.  He married Marie Harnetiaux on December 31, 1974, and she preceded him in death on June 6, 2006.

Corky is survived by his children – Karen Hummel (Bill), Denise Sugg, and Carl Schlarmann (Kay); his adoring grandchildren – Katelyn Montgomery, Gavin, Garrett, and Lola Schlarmann, Kelly Cherry, Wesley Ronan, Eli Kleber (special friend Jennifer Clark), and Grace and Lane Hummel; several great grandchildren; a sister – Reva Grapperhaus (Ralph); and his in-laws – Gail Harnetiaux, Larry and Brenda Harnetiaux, and Verna Pyle. 

Mr. Kleber was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruby Kleber; his wife, Marie Kleber; a son – Gary Kleber and his wife Kerry; a daughter, Patricia “Patsy” Ronan; a grandson, Wil Schlarmann; a brother – Edward Kleber and wife Jeanne; and several in-laws. 

Corky dedicated his life to the construction industry, where he skillfully operated and maintained heavy equipment as a member of Local 520 in Granite City. He was proud to have worked on the construction of Carlyle Lake, St. Louis Metrolink, and the Lock and Dam in Alton.  Mr. Kleber was an active member of the Scott Masonic Lodge #79 A.F. and A.M., Carlyle, and the Ainad Shriners East St. Louis Council, and the Order of the Eastern Star.  Corky was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy while hunting, fishing, or going on his regular trips around the lake.  Known for his sense of humor, Corky was the master of jokes and good-spirited pranks.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Interment will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 20, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM and on Thursday, March 21, from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Kleber are suggested to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children or to the Scott Masonic Lodge. Memorial donations will be received through Zieren Funeral Home. 

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