Joseph John Klackle, Ii

Joseph John Klackle II, "Coach Klackle," 68, of Hartford passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side Monday, June 23, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

Joseph was employed at the former Bendix Corp. for 30 years as a hydraulic repairman, but his true love was coaching football and track. He was an assistant football coach at Hartford High school for 20 years and impacted many athletes' lives. His proudest moment was when the Hartford High School football team celebrated its 1993 Class CC state championship at the Pontiac Silverdome. He will be missed greatly by his "boys," his cats Hungry Man and Lean Cuisine.

Joseph was born in St. Louis, Mo., on July 28, 1945, the son of Joseph and Faye (Wilson) Klackle, who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Lakeshore High School and attended Kent State University, where he played football until a motor vehicle accident ended his football career. On Feb. 2, 1965, he married Linda Kay Jones, who preceded him in death in 2009. Joseph is survived by daughters, Elisabeth "Beth" (Eric) Hallgren and Jennifer (Bruce) Cantrell; two sisters, Connie Keith and Kathy (Paul) Gerhard; and three grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud: Matthew, Mariel and Grace.

A celebration of life will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 27, at His Place Community Center, Hartford. A eulogy will be delivered at 4:30 p.m. by Dewey Sweat. At Joseph's request, his ashes will reside in his daughter Beth's garden. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Hartford High School Athletic Department. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.