Peter Klikna Obituary

Klikna, Peter 83, died on Monday, April 27, 2009 in Little Rock, AR, he was a devoted husband of 62 years to Irene Klikna, who passed away ten days earlier on Friday, April 17th 2009, Peter was a loving father to Eugenia (Gina) Klikna-Kokes and a beloved grandfather to Cristine, Peter, and Thomas Kokes. Peter also enjoyed sharing his handyman's knowledge plus his old tools with his son-in-law, Dr. Charles Kokes. Peter was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. As a young man, he won a purple heart and a bronze star for his service in World War II. He was also a survivor of the S.S. Leopoldville, a troopship torpedoed in 1944. Peter was a long-time employee of the Campbell Soup Company where he worked as a machinist and instructor. He served on the Board of Directors for Pulaski Savings Bank for many years. Peter had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid newspaper reader, grew huge dahlias in his garden and played the organ. He had a life-long fascination with cameras and was beginning to master his computer. His grandchildren were delighted to serve as "Poppy's" hotline for his digital equipment. Peter and his wife moved to Arkansas to be with family after he suffered a stroke. Although he was unable to speak, he still managed to convey his good-natured personality to everyone. A memorial Mass for Peter and Irene Klikna will be held at St. Germaine's Catholic Church in Oak Lawn on Friday, June 25th at 9:30 a.m. Private interment of their ashes will follow.