Delmont “Dellie” Nicholas Kloeckner, a longtime Albers, Illinois, resident and high school coach, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 82.
While the actual cause of his death is not available, his obituary page reads that Delmont “Dellie” Nicholas Kloeckner passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.
Dellie Kloeckner was well-known for his contribution to the community as an exceptional coach and mentor.
He served as the softball coach at Mater Dei High School, constantly supporting and improving the school’s sports and leading his team to several victories.
Furthermore, for his incredible journey with Mater Dei High School, Dellie Kloeckner was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
His obituary page mentioned that Dellie was always ready to help athletes, providing coaching advice, whether it was asked or not.
In addition to his high school coaching career, late Dellie also coached and played in an adult softball league for years, showcasing his amazing athletic skills.
Similarly, beyond his athletic journey, Dellie Kloeckner was a proud veteran serving in the United States Navy and a dedicated member of St. Bernard Parish in Albers.
He was a significant supporter of the parish’s annual Wurstmart and volunteered for over three decades.
Dellie’s notable contribution to the community and his humorous and cheerful nature will always be remembered.
Delmont “Dellie” Kloeckner Leaves Behind His Longtime Wife, Geraldine Santel, Four Daughters, Grandchildren, and The Whole Family
Dellie Kloeckner was not just an amazing athlete and coach, but also a devoted husband to his wife of almost six decades, Geraldine Santel.
The late former softball coach, Dellie Kloeckner, tied the knot with his longtime wife, Gerdaldine “Gerry” Santel, on November 22, 1968, at St. Damian Catholic Church.
Furthermore, Dellie and Geraldine raised four successful daughters named Lyn Kloeckner, Cindy Neumann, Chris Toennies, and Jill Voss.
All of their daughters attended Mater Dei High School. Their daughter, Lyn, currently serves as the director of the Child Development Center at Scott Air Force Base.
In addition to his beloved wife and daughters, Dellie Kloeckner is survived by his son-in-laws, Rob Neumann, Aaron Toennies, and Ryan Voss, grandchildren, Alex Neumann, Julia Neumann, Kaitlyn, Coryn, and Kinley Toennies, and Archer and Alden Voss, brothers, Ray (Joni) Kloeckner and Roman Kloeckner, brother-in-law, Delmar (Mary) Santel, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Delmont “Dellie” Nicholas Kloeckner was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Kloeckner, siblings, Edward Kloeckner, Virginia Kloeckner, Agnes (Paul) Huels, Vince (Kay) Kloeckner, Rosemary (Paul) Loepker, Margie (Ed) Gamboa, Rober “Butter” Kloeckner, and sister-in-law Doris Kloeckner.
A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers, with Fr. Matt Elie and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer officiating.
Interment will follow at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in Albers with full military honors.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and from 8:30 to 9:45 AM on Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Delmont “Dellie Nicholas Kloeckner was born on March 20, 1943, in Germantown, Illinois.
- He worked to have crossing guard arms installed at three railroad crossings around the country.
- Dellie’s family has requested that donations be made to the Mater Dei Capital Campaign Fund or St. Bernard’s Capital Campaign Fund in his memory.
