Alexander Gerald Klekotka

Alexander Gerald Kletkotka, age 23, passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of his home on Saturday, December 18, 2021. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Gerald and Sara Klektoka on June 27, 1998. Alex was a loving big brother to his sister, Sydney and brother, Brady. Alex graduated from Northview High School in 2016. After graduating from high school, Alex continued making an impact on the ice while pursuing his hockey dreams. He was fortunate to spend time in Alaska playing in the NAHL for the Kenai River Brown Bears, being there allowed him to explore the great outdoors and travel, which he loved. After three years, he returned to West Michigan to continue playing hockey at Aquinas College while pursuing a degree in Sustainable Business and Marketing. He recently was offered a position with Foresight Management.

Alex loved life fiercely. He was passionate about so many things and enjoyed being around his people. From a very young age he was always on the move and eager to learn new things. He had lists of goals and checked things off as he accomplished them. He loved family trips with his brother and sister all scrunched in the back seat excited about their new adventures and memories they would make together. He readily accepted challenges and looked forward to a good wrestling match with his dad. Alex was a true outdoorsman who experienced the joy of fly-fishing, floating down the river in his drift boat, hiking and traveling. He had a special love for the Pere Marquette River and spent countless hours chasing trout there. He cherished being at the family cottage on Big Star Lake; growing up and spending time with family and Big Star friends.

Alex touched the lives of so many, he was humble and showed kindness along the way. He was a compassionate young man who was a friend to many. He worked hard all of his life and built deep connections and friendships. First, his family who was so important to him: his sister, Sydney, brother, Brady and his parents. Alex cherished both of his grandmothers: Grandma O and Grandma K and all of his connections with his aunts, uncles and cousins. Alex was blessed to grow up alongside his “second” family, the Shomins. He adored his loving girlfriend, Sophie. His Billet parents, the Selinger Family (Kenai, Alaska) and the Robideau Family (Andover, MN) held a very special place in his heart. His hockey world included: his hockey brothers from Aquinas, hockey brothers from Kenai, hockey brothers from all youth development levels and especially all of his amazing coaches who helped mold him into who he was. He loved everyone in his Fly-Fishing world; his people who would drop everything to go tie a line all hours of the day and night with him. All of these people, and many in between, helped him enjoy so many experiences in his 23 years. Alex would want everyone to celebrate life, value all relationships and discover and pursue their passions.

Alex was preceded in passing by grandpa, Gerald Klekotka; grandpa, Daniel O’Rourke and uncle, Johnny Klekotka. He will be forever in the hearts of his parents, Gerald and Sara Klekotka; sister, Sydney Klekotka; brother, Brady Klekotka; grandparents: Lois O’Rourke, Judy Klekotka, Uncle Michael (Janet) O’Rourke, Joe (Karen) Klekotka, Jeff (Erlinda) Klekotka and many cousins. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 12-3 and 5-8pm on Wednesday December 29, 2021 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI 49306 as well as an hour prior to the service at church. Memorial donations in memory of Alexander Klekotka can be made to The Northview Flyfishing Club, Attn: Rich Youngberg, 4365 Hunsberger NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525. Condolences may be sent online at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com