Walter Klenzak

Walter J. “Wally” Klenzak, 86, of Bradley, died Tuesday (July 1, 2008) at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital, Kankakee. Claralou Klenzak, 69, died Dec. 9, 1994, at her home, following a short illness. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial visitation will be from 10 a.m. Thursday until the 11 a.m. celebration of the funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bradley. Father John Antczak will officiate. Memorials may be made for breast cancer research, to the American Heart Association, or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, where they were members. Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, west Kankakee, is in charge of arrangements.Mr. Klenzak and his father owned and operated Klenzak Brace Co. He later became a welder at Roper Corp., retiring when they closed. He was born Jan. 23, 1922, in Kankakee, the son of John and Agnes Saindon Klenzak. Mrs. Klenzak was born March 15, 1925, in Kankakee, the daughter of Pietro and Ethel Lucky Dato. They were married June 5, 1948 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kankakee. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne, 307 Medical Division, serving in Italy, France, Belgium, Africa, Germany and Holland. He was a member of the Moose and the Kankakee American Legion Post 85. He was an avid fisherman and still holds the Illinois state record for a Northern Pike at 26 pounds, 15 ounces and 44 inches long. He also enjoyed hunting, challenges, and his grandchildren.Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Bob Netherton of San Diego, Calif., Delores and Andy Kreutzer of Kankakee; former son-in-law, best friend and fishing buddy, Rick Africano Sr. of Kankakee; three grandchildren, Jessica and Rene’ Morales of Bonfield, Mia and Stormey Williams, and Rick Africano Jr., all of Bradley; five great-grandchildren, Luke, MaKenna, Bond, Gideon and Pierce; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one sister, Pearl Pomon of Bradley; and one brother, Leonard Klenzak of Kankakee. She is also survived by one sister, Donna DeGroot of Wichert.Deceased are their parents; one nephew, Steve Klenzak; her brother, Kenneth Dato; and her sister, Betty Devine.From the family, a special thanks to Dr. Meisenbach for the great care that he gave to their dad over all the years .

Walter Klenzak

January 23, 1922 - July 1, 2008