Norman Henry Kleiboeker, 86, of Shattuc, was blessed by God with holy death and taken to his home to rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead, Monday, April 24, 2023, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL surrounded by the comfort of his devoted family.
He was born on January 30, 1937, the son of Herman and Ella (Brammeier) Kleiboeker in Shattuc, IL. Norman’s mother passed away in 1941 and his father married Olga Stork. Olga raised Norman as her own. Norman graduated from Carlyle High School and went on to honorably serve in the United States Army. He married the love of his life and best friend Viola Emma Becker on October 8, 1966, at their home church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ferrin. She preceded him in death on July 12, 2011.
Survivors include his beloved children, Mark and Susan Kleiboeker of Shattuc, IL, Marilyn and Don May of Centralia; dearly loved by his grandchildren that called him “Grandpa”, Corinne and William Bradley, Bethany and Aaron Ruckman, Jenna Kleiboeker, Madelyn May, Christopher May and Meredith May; precious great-grandchildren, Iris Bradley, Piper Ruckman, and Jonah Ruckman; his dear brother Paul and Judy Kleiboeker of Shattuc, IL.
Along with his wife of 45 years, Viola Emma Kleiboeker, Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ella Kleiboeker, and Olga Kleiboeker.
He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ferrin, IL. He received the gift of Holy Baptism and became a child of God on February 14, 1937. He later publicly confessed his faith and was confirmed into the church on April 1, 1951. His confirmation verse was Revelations chapter 2 verse 10 “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” He enjoyed the church’s Men’s Club where his love for the Lord and his church family grew. Norman knew he was very fortunate to have shared his life with his amazing wife Viola. Both of them had been through so much and yet kept on going, hardworking and grateful. Norman’s family could count on one hand how many days he had taken off work. His dedication and knowledge of the farm were like no other. You get out of the land what you put into it, and Norman did just that. He was a true steward of the land. Later in life, he preferred to haul cattle over any other farm chore. Norman was a member of the Clinton County Farm Bureau as well as the former director of the Farmer Co-Op and trustee for the Meridian Township Board. He was a wise man with a big smile and the kindest of hearts. Norman was very outgoing, never meeting a stranger. Noman Kleiboeker was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin and truly was more than a friend to many. Norman loved the Lord, his family, his church, and the farm community in which all will miss him dearly.
A celebration of life service will be held in Norman’s honor at 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 1, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Jennings officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ferrin. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to visiting hours at Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval from 4:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M. Sunday, April 30, 2023. Memorials may be made in Norman’s honor to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ferrin or Christ Our Rock High School in Centralia. Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval is honored to be in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and memories of Norman may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
