Jess L. Klitz, 93, passed away on January 26, 2014, at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon, IL. Jess was formerly of Sterling, and Morrison, IL.
Mr. Klitz was born on October 14, 1920, in Rock Run Township, Stephenson County, and was the son of Jesse John Klitz and Hazel Alice (Morrison) Klitz. He was educated at Jefferson Rural School of Mount Carroll, Carroll County.
He married Dorothy V. Beveroth on February 11, 1942, at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman E. A. Beveroth of rural Morrison. He was baptized and confirmed March 29, 1942, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church of Morrison. He served as a church board member for many years and was instrumental in the construction of the existing church. He was a chartered member of the Livestock Feeders Association of Whiteside County and served as Director, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, President, and Director-at-Large. He also served on the Agriculture Stablization Conservation Board (ASC) for 20 years and was a lifetime member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau.
Mr. Klitz enjoyed playing organized baseball on the Fairhaven and Chadwick teams. He and Dorothy purchased a farm the summer of 1951 north of Sterling. They hosted many gatherings at their farm that are fondly remembered by family members. They moved to Morrison in 1976. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed walking, and was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan.
He is survived by several in laws, many nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, parents, brothers Roy, Wilbur, Russell, and Maurice, and a niece, Sally Dusing.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Mark Winkelman officiating.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Burial at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL, will immediately follow the funeral service.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Morrison, IL, or Serenity Hospice Home.