Stanley Klesmith

Stanley Klesmith of Stevens Point passed away Wednesday morning, February 7, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston at the age of 81.  His loving wife of almost 60 years was at his side when he lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date per Stanley's wishes.  Stanley was born October 31, 1942 in the Township of Buena Vista. He was the son of Leo and Emma (Bronk) Klesmith and grew up on a farm as the 10th of 11 children. He attended a one room school house for the first 5 years and then went on to attend PJ Jacobs High School for a few years before joining the US Army at the age of 17.

He entered the United States Army in March of 1960 in Milwaukee, WI. He served as a Pvt. 1st class with the Company B 23rd Infantry. He completed is obligation with the US- Army Reserves in March of 1966. His marriage to the love of his life, Lucille (Lucy) Stroik took place on April 25, 1964 in Stevens Point where they raised their four children. Stanley worked for various union trucking firms throughout his life including Dahlman Truck Lines, Gross Common Carriers, and Yellow.

In retirement, he enjoyed his time working with the Town of Hull Parks Department. He spent the last thirteen winters in Navarre, Florida with his winter family where he enjoyed fishing and long walks on the beach. Since he could not go to Florida this year, Florida came to him with the unusually warm weather. He took his final road trip, destination heaven, and remembered to take his fishing poles to catch the big one. He will be most remembered as a kind and gentle soul who was always willing to help troubleshoot your problems. If he could not give you the shirt off his back, he would have tried to fix yours.

However, he also never missed a chance to flash his big white smile at you with some friendly teasing. His favorite pastimes were fishing, gardening, making the birds comfortable, and tinkering in his shop.  He was proud to share his vegetable bounty and abilities with his friends, family, and local charities.

Survivors include his wife Lucille (Lucy) and their children, Steve and Rebecca (Newby) of Wisconsin Rapids, Doug and Linda (Eckendorf) of Wisconsin Rapids, Kelly (Mark) Ostricki of Stevens Point, and Russell and Jill (Whitney) of Stevens Point.

Their grandchildren: Dr. Justin (Stephanie) Klesmith, Lauren Klesmith, Lu Creca (Sam) Worzalla, Calvin Klesmith, Lucas, Logan and Zachary Ostricki, Colton, Jackson, and Emma Klesmith. Remaining siblings are Henrietta Balazo of Greendale, Carl (Alfreda) Klesmith of Mequon, Wanda Gierszewski of New Berlin, Edwin (Vicki) Klesmith of Racine, Hubert (Karen) Klesmith of Custer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Mary Ziolkowski, Delores Lorbiecki, Helen Gierszewski, Dorothy Peplinski, and brother Jerry at the age of 9. Also preceded in death by his in-laws, Ernest Sr. and Angeline Stroik, Corrine Stroik Pekarek, Pat Stroik, Penny Stroik, Sylvester Ziolkowski, Lavern Lorbiecki, Robert Peplinski, Joe Balazo, Alvin Gierszewski, and Myron Gierszewski.

The family would like to thank Dr. Onitilo, the oncology staff, and support staff at the Marshfield Medical Center, Stevens Point and the hospital staff at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston for the wonderful care they provided.

The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

"Your memory will always be a blessing, we will always love you"