Cornelius ’Neil’ Kleman

Cornelius E. “Neil” Kleman, age 89 of Wapakoneta, died at 8:06 p.m., Monday, November 13, 2017 at St. Rita’s Medical Center Emergency Room. He was born November 16, 1927 in Lima, Ohio to the late Cornelius H. and Mildred M. Kreiger Kleman. On August 5, 1950 he married Mary Katherine Harter, who preceded him in death September 4, 2015.

Neil was owner operator of Kleman’s Apartments, landowner of Cridersville Speedway, previously owned Kleman Used Cars and Klemans Restaurant. He was very adventursome, parachuting, riding motorcycles, riding roller coaster, racing gocarts, and had his pilots license and flew his own planes. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a member of Buckeye Farm Antiques, and enjoyed working on and collecting antique engines. He was a U.S. Army Veteran during World War II and then joined the Merchant Marines. He loved traveling, especially his trips to Daytona on his motorcyles with his buddies.

He was survived by a son – Ron Kleman of Wapakoneta; a daughter – Diana Kleman of Wapakoneta; a granddaughter – Stacey (Jared) Clausing of Wapakoneta; 2 great grandsons – Kolvyn Clausing and Brantsyn Clausing; and his beloved cat – Sweet Pea.

He was preceded in death by a infant brother – Robert Kleman.

Funeral services will begin Noon on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Father Patrick Sloneker will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Military rites will be observed by the V.F.W. Post 8445 of Wapakoneta.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 15th and from 10:00 – noon Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Auglaize County Human Society.