Alexander Gerald Klekotka

June 27, 1998 ~ December 18, 2021

Alexander Gerald Kletkotka, age 23, passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of his home on Saturday, December 18, 2021. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Gerald and Sara Klektoka on June 27, 1998. Alex was a loving big brother to his sister, Sydney and brother, Brady. Alex graduated from Northview High School in 2016. After graduating from high school, Alex continued making an impact on the ice while pursuing his hockey dreams. He was fortunate to spend time in Alaska playing in the NAHL for the Kenai River Brown Bears, being there allowed him to explore the great outdoors and travel, which he loved. After three years, he returned to West Michigan to continue playing hockey at Aquinas College while pursuing a degree in Sustainable Business and Marketing. He recently was offered a position with Foresight Management.

Alex loved life fiercely. He was passionate about so many things and enjoyed being around his people. From a very young age he was always on the move and eager to learn new things. He had lists of goals and checked things off as he accomplished them. He loved family trips with his brother and sister all scrunched in the back seat excited about their new adventures and memories they would make together. He readily accepted challenges and looked forward to a good wrestling match with his dad. Alex was a true outdoorsman who experienced the joy of fly-fishing, floating down the river in his drift boat, hiking and traveling. He had a special love for the Pere Marquette River and spent countless hours chasing trout there. He cherished being at the family cottage on Big Star Lake; growing up and spending time with family and Big Star friends.

Alex touched the lives of so many, he was humble and showed kindness along the way. He was a compassionate young man who was a friend to many. He worked hard all of his life and built deep connections and friendships. First, his family who was so important to him: his sister, Sydney, brother, Brady and his parents. Alex cherished both of his grandmothers: Grandma O and Grandma K and all of his connections with his aunts, uncles and cousins. Alex was blessed to grow up alongside his “second” family, the Shomins. He adored his loving girlfriend, Sophie. His Billet parents, the Selinger Family (Kenai, Alaska) and the Robideau Family (Andover, MN) held a very special place in his heart. His hockey world included: his hockey brothers from Aquinas, hockey brothers from Kenai, hockey brothers from all youth development levels and especially all of his amazing coaches who helped mold him into who he was. He loved everyone in his Fly-Fishing world; his people who would drop everything to go tie a line all hours of the day and night with him. All of these people, and many in between, helped him enjoy so many experiences in his 23 years. Alex would want everyone to celebrate life, value all relationships and discover and pursue their passions.

Alex was preceded in passing by grandpa, Gerald Klekotka; grandpa, Daniel O’Rourke and uncle, Johnny Klekotka. He will be forever in the hearts of his parents, Gerald and Sara Klekotka; sister, Sydney Klekotka; brother, Brady Klekotka; grandparents: Lois O’Rourke, Judy Klekotka, Uncle Michael (Janet) O’Rourke, Joe (Karen) Klekotka, Jeff (Erlinda) Klekotka and many cousins. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 12-3 and 5-8pm on Wednesday December 29, 2021 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI 49306 as well as an hour prior to the service at church. Memorial donations in memory of Alexander Klekotka can be made to The Northview Flyfishing Club, Attn: Rich Youngberg, 4365 Hunsberger NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525. Condolences may be sent online at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 01, 2022 4:05pm

Prayers are for your family as you grieve the loss of your beloved son. May all your family’s aventures bring smiles to your faces as you recall memories of Alex with your family and your faith sustain you as you navigate forward in life.

- Paul and Jan Anderson

December 29, 2021 7:06pm

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Klekotka, Sydney, Brady and all of Alex’s beloved family, friends, and teammates,

I extend my very sincere condolences to each of you.

Although I only had the privilege of knowing and working with Alex for one semester, he left a deep and lasting impression upon me. From day one he was a person whose presence was most remarkable. Among other things his intelligence and work ethic set him apart. But perhaps what is most noteworthy is the continual regard and respect he had for others.

I am sorry that I am not able to join you in person to celebrate Alex’s life and legacy but please be assured of my prayers in union with you at this and of my continued prayers and Mass intentions for each of you.

May the peace of the Son of Peace fill your hearts and homes, now and forever.

Sincerely,

Michael Curry
Assistant Professor of Economics
Aquinas College

- Michael Curry

December 27, 2021 8:06am

Dear Mr. Klekotka and family,
Please know that our family is sending our sincerest condolences to all of you. We are holding you in our prayers and we are so very sorry for the loss of your son and brother, Alex. We know that his spirit will live on in each of you and in all who knew and loved him. Sending love to your family.

With sincere condolences and care,

The Boosamra Family
Jim, Melissa, Chloe, Asa and Ocean

- Melissa Baker-Boosamra

December 23, 2021 10:06pm

Mr. K and Family,

We are so incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of your son Alex. We are praying for you during this difficult time. The Northview community is here for anything you may need. Our thoughts and condolences to you all.

The Gallapoo Family
Bob, Christiana, Hayden B. and Bobby

- Christiana

December 23, 2021 6:03pm

Sara, Jerry, Sydney, and Brady,
Our deepest condolences. We met Alex when he helped with the middle school lacrosse team in 2019. It was great having Alex as a coach and Brady as a player that year. What a wonderful young man you raised. We are so sorry for your tragic loss. There will always be a huge Alex-shaped hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. May God comfort you and hold you close at this incredibly difficult time.
Martie, Dave, Colin, Aidan & Keegan

- The Bradley Family

December 23, 2021 11:00am

There are no words to ease your pain. Alex was a wonderful presence in the world. He had such a positive impact on so many people. We are so grateful we got to know him.  Please know we are sending comforting thoughts and prayers to your entire family.

- Sarah DeShane

December 23, 2021 10:11am

Klekotka family,
So sad to hear this news.  You’ve raised an outstanding young man who was blessed to have outstanding parents.  Praying for you all during this difficult time.

- Mike Leonard

December 23, 2021 10:01am

My condolences to the entire Klekotka family and it is my hope you can pull together through this difficult time. Alex was a young man who struck me as having a lot of poise for his age. I will pray for all of you.    Ric Wiersma

- Ric Wiersma

December 23, 2021 1:41am

My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved Alex. Wrapping you in love and prayer.

- Tori Wanhatalo Hess

December 22, 2021 8:00pm

I am so incredible sorry for your loss. You both were such amazing influences to me and great coaches, of course you raised such an amazing young man 🥰 prayers, thoughts and love to the family.

- Tiffanie DeYoung

December 22, 2021 7:13pm

There are, simply, no words to adequately express how sorry we are. Please know we are sending comforting thoughts and prayers to your entire family and friends.

- Kim and Pat Hatten

December 22, 2021 6:52pm

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 

Missy & Matt Skudre

- Missy Skudre

December 22, 2021 6:18pm

We are so very sorry to hear of Alex’s passing.  We wish all who mourn condolences and peace.
Bob, Maureen, Michale and Emma

- The Fary Family

December 22, 2021 6:03pm

Dear Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 

May precious memories comfort you at this very sad time.

Take care.

With Love and Sympathy
Mike, Sue, Michael and Emma Anderson

- Mike Anderson

December 22, 2021 2:44pm

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  My heart breaks that your family is going through this.  I remember Alex as such a kind, warm-hearted, spirited young man who truly embraced his family’s values.  I am so sorry.  Theresa Czarnopys

- Theresa Czarnopys

December 22, 2021 1:10pm

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Alex. We pray for comfort through this difficult time.

The VanKempens

- Kris VanKempen & family




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