Elmer Dean Klossing

E. Dean Klossing, age 80, of Biggsville, Illinois; passed away at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa on Thursday December 20, 2012 at 11:04 am. Dean was born on March 16, 1932 in LaHarpe, Illinois and is the son of Elmer and Dorothy Lund Klossing. He was raised in Gladstone where he attended local schools and graduated from G & O High School with the class of 1950. He then enlisted in the United State Air Force where he served four years. During service Dean was trained in aircraft repair and was deployed to Sidi Stimane Air Force Base in Africa for a year with the 45th Fighter Squadron during the Korean War. In 1955 he returned to the states and received an honorable discharge in 1956. During his service Dean was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Sharp Shooters Medal. After service Dean returned to the area and began farming in several areas of Western Illinois. He has farmed for most of his adult life. Dean and Joanne moved to Plano, Illinois for the next thirty years, where he was employed by the Plano Molding Company and was a supervisor for the company until his retirement in 1989. While in Plano, Dean was most active in the First Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir. In 1989 they returned to the Biggsville area where he has farmed to the present day. He currently is a member of the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church. Most recently Dean has served as chaplain at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab of Stronghurst, Illinois. Dean enjoyed and was very good at woodworking, gardening, and yard work. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Dean is survived by his wife Joanne Klossing of Biggsville, Illinois, one daughter Lisa (David) Brokaw of Biggsville, IL, two sons John Debbie Klossing of Plano, IL and Mark (Mary) Klossing of Sandwich, IL. There are nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. One sister also survives Verlee (Bill) Hatcher also of Plano, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Donald, and one sister Barbara Schroeder. Services:A private family funeral service for Dean is planned by his family. Interment will be in the Biggsville Cemetery in Biggsville, Illinois. His family established memorial fund for either Great River Hospice House or the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church.