Leroy Wise Kleiner
May 25, 1955 ~ October 14, 2024
Born in:
Highland, Illinois
Resided in:
Greenville, Illinois
Leroy Wise Kleiner, 69, of Greenville, Illinois, passed away on October
14, 2024, at his residence.
Leroy was born May 25, 1955, in Highland, Illinois, the son of Lester and Lois (Wise) Kleiner. He married Debra Eakle on March 7, 1982, in
Greenville, Illinois. They were married for over 40 years when she preceded him in death October 29, 2022.
Raised on the family farm south of Greenville, he embodied the spirit of hard work and dedication that defined his multigenerational farming
legacy. A proud graduate of the Greenville High School Class of ’74, Leroy was an active member of the FFA, where he achieved notable
success, including winning the judging contest at the Illinois State Fair in 1971. He was able to meet President Nixon, who awarded his
team the winning trophy. His passion for agriculture was evident as he showed cattle at both local and state fairs, earning respect and
admiration from fellow colleagues in the agricultural industry.
In addition to his farming endeavors, Leroy was a skilled truck driver, hauling grain for himself, other local farmers, the local FS and Greenville
Lumber and Landscape. He was also a proud member of the local Teamsters Union of Southern Illinois. In the late ‘80’s, he spent
his off-season transporting bagasse sugar cane for U.S. Sugar in Belle Glade Florida, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his work.
Despite facing adversity when he, as a young adult, lost his foot in a farming accident, Leroy never wavered in his determination to succeed.
He was a member of the Bond County Farm Bureau, the Holstein Association, and the “unofficial” Bond County Deer Hunters
Association, which he enjoyed and always looked forward to, each hunting season. Known for his remarkable ability to recall dates and
numbers, he was always said to be a savvy marketer of grain.
Leroy was a true character who left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was always ready to share a story or two about his
grandchildren, his daughter and son in-law, along with other family and friends about his adventures in life and his travels to the Treehouse
Resort in Negril, Jamacia.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Lester & Lois, wife, Debra Kleiner, brother, Lynn Kleiner and brother-in-law, Randy Rasler
Surviving Leroy is his daughter, Kaysi (Greg) Featherston of Van Buren, Arkansas; grandchildren, Austin (Sarah Folks) Featherston of Normal,
Illinois; Kyle Featherston and Lillynn Featherston of Van Buren, Arkansas; Hunter (Levy Noriega) Hickman of St. Louis,
Missouri; brother, Larry (Sharon) Kleiner of Greenville, Illinois; brothers-in-law, Denny (Jan) Eakle of Kingston, Oklahoma, Robert ‘Bob’ (Leanna)
Eakle of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Mearl ‘Butch’ (Pam Hill) Eakle of Pana, Illinois, Kenneth Eakle and Jeff Rasler of Greenville, Illinois; sisters-in-
law, Beverly Rasler and Pam Rasler of Greenville, Illinois; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held 4:00p.m – 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at Assalley Funeral Home, 118 E. College, Greenville, Illinois.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 501 North Idler Lane, Greenville, Illinois
62246. Pastor Dwayne Depew and Pastor Pete LeDuc will be officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Idler Lane, Greenville, Illinois.
The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the
ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer
condolences to the family.
Services
Visitation: October 21, 2024 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Assalley-Young Funeral Home
118 E. College Ave.
Greenville, IL 62246
Funeral Service: October 22, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church - Greenville
501 N. Idler Lane
Greenville, IL 62246
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Leroy Wise Kleiner 's name.
First Presbyterian Church - Greenville
501 N. Idler Lane
Greenville,
IL
62246
Jubilee House
417 West College Avenue
Greenville,
IL
62246
Though me and Uncle Leroy didn’t have as many interactions as we wanted he was always very interested and supportive of my life decisions and how I was doing when we we got the chance a great man is gone but never forgotten rest is paradise uncle Leroy