Clesson "Clete" Kling, age 87, of Gresham, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Serenity Gardens in Gillett. Clete was born on October 2, 1932 in Oneida County, New York to the late Charles A. and Francis May (Brown) Kling. He proudly served in the United States Army in the Korean War Era. On December 12, 1980, Clete was united in marriage to Gail Preslicka-Klose. Gail preceded him in death on April 1, 2017.

Clete was educated as a soils engineer, as well as a master plumber. He founded and operated his own company, Suburban Sewer and Water. In later years, Clete operated a furniture refinishing business and with his wife Gail he had an antiques business. Rock hunting and collecting were a passion of Clete's. He enjoyed sharing his interests with his grandsons, Andrew and Justin, traveling the country hunting for rocks.

Clete is survived by his children from his first marriage, Linda Hartleben, Brian Kling, and Jody Kling, and children from his second marriage, Joel (Kim) Klose, Kim (Stewart) Halada, and Sara Klose-McVey.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Gail, parents and brother.

Private family services were held.

The family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to Clete's doctor Christine Berendt as well as Serenity Gardens of Gillett.