Dear Anna & family - Got a copy of Jack's obituary and was shocked - he always had a smile and enjoyed him as a classmate. For some reason I was thinking of you both not too long ago and now so sorry to hear of his passing. Know you had a lot of good years together and you have your children and grandchildren and I'm sure people in the different organizations to help you get through this tough time. I lost my husband 2 years ago this past February and I know what you are having to face. You just have to take it one day at a time. In sympathy - Doris Hinners Piercy

My thoughts and prayers are with you all today. I know Jack is watching over you all - thanking you all for your love and concern. Wished I was there with you, but that is not possible.

I'm sending my sincere sympathy to Shari (a friend from Metro Mix Chorus) and her family. I know that it is hard to lose a father...at any age. Being an adult doesn't ease the burden in the short run but does give more smiles and good memories to help heal the pain in the long run. Hugs as well to Katie who lost a grandfather and friend. I hope it is some consolation to know that he is at peace and in a better place.

Love and harmony,

Jan Ahrens

Jack was one of the nicest gentlemen I have had the honor to meet. He always had a smile and a kind word. I'm sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts.

I'm sending condolences from Savoy on the passing of Jack. His mother, Gert, was my Aunt. My dad was Jim KLeiss.

It is such a small world in that I learned of Jack's death from my brother in North Carolina. who is a fellow faculty member with someone at NC State whose son (Bryan ) is maried to Jack's daughter Laura.

I see MIke Kleiss , nephew of Jack's, in church on some Sundays here in Champaign.

When they stopped having Kleiss reunions we stopped getting to see all our dear cousins. Sounds like he was a very special person.

You must have many wonderful memories to console you.

Lois

I certainly never had the opportunity to see a lot of Jack while I was growing up on the farm outside of Tuscola. My parents were Jim and Dorothy Kleiss. But I sure did know his mother, my Aunt Gert, and I do remember seeing Jack many times at Kleiss family reunions in Tuscola. While I did not know him well, I know if he was Aunt Gert's son, he had to be a special person. And. of course, if he had Kleiss blood flowing in him, he really had to be a nice person. My condolences to his family. His presence extends far and I am sure he will be missed. He has now joined his mother and many other family members in the great beyond. I am sure they have welcomed him.

I had the pleasure of working wiht Jack for 12 years with H.P.Smith. I can best describe Jack in this manner. A man dedicated to his family and profession who always distinguished himself with class, character, and high morales. Jack was a mentor of mine and so much of who I am today is because of the great lessons learned. I am saddened at his loss and send my sympathies to Ann and the rest of the family. God Bless - Gary and Beth Hixson