Leo Henry Kleffner, Sr., 94, of Brinktown, was born July 7, 1926, at Brinktown, a son of Edward Charles and Elizabeth Mary (Kroll) Kleffner, and departed this life Monday, March 8, 2021, in Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City.

On December 15, 1944, at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, Leo was inducted into active federal service in the United States Army and served until August 12, 1946, when he was honorably discharged at the U.S. Army Separation Center, Fort Lewis, Washington. After being inducted, Leo was assigned to the Infantry, educated in his specialty of Dog Trainer 458, and received weapons training in marksmanship for the MM M-1 Rifle and the SS Carbine. During his military career, he served at various duty stations, and prior to his discharge was with the 50 ^th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon. Leo was awarded and entitled to wear the American Theater Service Medal, the Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. A man of excellent character, his "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country during World War II.

Mr. Kleffner was united in marriage September 27, 1947, at Dixon, to the former Miss Teresa Faye Grempczynski, and to this union, twelve children were born.

He was a faithful and devoted member of Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church and Lischwe-Brandel American Legion Post 354, both in Brinktown. Mr. Kleffner has always been a strong supporter of needs for the church and veterans.

He was a lifelong cattle farmer in Maries County and was especially proud of his "Century Farm" designation. A person with a strong work ethic, Leo continued to work long as he was able and never really retired.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Kleffner include: His surviving children, Leo Kleffner, Jr. (Susan), Vienna; Ruth Ann Yarbrough (Ron), Lake Ozark; Helen Steward (Kevin), Sturgeon; Becky Wieberg (Mike), Argyle; Tom Kleffner (Friend, Amy), St. Louis; Mary Wagner (Clifford), Vienna; Mike Kleffner (Robin), Brinktown; Don Kleffner (Laurie), Argyle; Mark Kleffner (Tammy), Vienna; and Pat Kleffner (Carrie), Vienna; 27 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, with greats and great-greats as well; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Faye, (3-15-2013); two sons, infant Paul Kleffner (12-23-1954), and Gary Kleffner (8-11-2003); one granddaughter, Christina Crider (12-24-2014); one great-grandson, Blake Wagner, (10-16-2011); his father, Edward, (8-15-1965); his mother, Elizabeth, (9-27-1970); his seven brothers and three sisters, Clemens Kleffner, Vincent Kleffner, Louis Kleffner, Clarence Kleffner, Anthony Kleffner, Tillie Hutchison, John Kleffner, Gertrude Bure, infant Emil Kleffner, and infant Mimmie Kleffner.

Visitation for Mr. Leo H. Kleffner, Sr. will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, 2021, and from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 11, 2021, in Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 37515 Highway N, Brinktown, Missouri 65443, with his Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Matthew Flatley as the celebrant and Rev. Basil Tigga assisting, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Interment with full military honors will be in Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery, Brinktown, with his sons, Leo Kleffner, Jr., Tom Kleffner, Mike Kleffner, Don Kleffner, Mark Kleffner, and Pat Kleffner serving as pallbearers for their father and Travis Otto and Derek Otto serving as honorary pallbearers for Mr. Kleffner.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Leo H. Kleffner, Sr. are suggested to Holy Guardians Angels Catholic Church with envelopes available at the church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri 65582.