Stephen P. Klesse

Stephen P. Klesse Sr., 64, passed from this life on Sunday, January 30, 2022.Born in Morristown, NJ, he was the son of the late William and Elizabeth (Glaab) Klesse. Steve grew up in Chatham, NJ, where he developed his passions in life: cars, mischief, football, fishing, friends and family. Meeting the love of his life and finding his forever in his high school sweetheart, Stephen married his best friend Mary (Renzulli) Klesse on September 20th, 1980. They shared 42 beautiful years of marriage. Within those years they pursued dreams together and raised two beautiful children. For 17 years, Steve and Mary owned and operated “Swamp Fox Farms” which was a staple in our local community. The place to get sweet corn, go for a hayride to pick pumpkins and for teenagers to learn the lessons of a hard work ethic. He was always willing to help out anyone in need, tell you a story or put you to work. “Farmer Steve” was known for his gift of gab and being able to fix anything. He had a dedication, love and knowledge of multiple things that was felt by many and will surely be remembered. “Bossman” was able to retire in the fall of 2013 and enjoy life’s more simple pleasures; to spend more time with family and friends.He took pride and joy in building and restoring his cars, designing and building his “pit” where he could have friends and family over for bar-b-ques, pool parties, fishing, late night chats and storytelling. “Pap” kept busy finding new projects (usually car related) all while planning and counting down the days until his next fishing getaway. He loved being able to escape to the beach with his wife, Mary, and fish all day. His passion was his family; calling his kids, taking his collies Bandit and Smokey for buggy rides, having a nightly snack of a bowl of popcorn, and spending time with his two granddaughters, who he loved to teach and sing silly songs to. Steve was blessed with a large and loving family. Surviving in addition to his wife are two children Stephen Klesse Jr. and his wife, Michelle, and Ashley Krout and her husband, Cheyenne; 2 grandchildren, Josie and Kinlee Krout; and 7 siblings, William R., Richard, Edward, Christopher, and Timothy Klesse, and Elizabeth McLeester and Madeline Bradley. There will be a gathering at the New Freedom Borough Community Center, 150 E Main St., New Freedom, PA 17349, Saturday, February 5th from 1-4pm. All are welcome to come to share fond memories of Steve. In Lieu of flowers Steve wanted a college fund set up for his granddaughters. Checks can be made out to Josie Krout & Kinlee Krout, in care of Peoples Bank, PO Box 2887 (Glen Rock Office), York, PA 17405-9798. A Celebration of Life will be held at the farm at a later date with details to follow. Arrangements by Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. 2nd St., New Freedom, PA 17349. HartensteinCares.com.