Obituaries
Obituary: Michelle Marie Kleikamp
A true social butterfly, she cherished spending time with her friends and those she loved.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Michelle Marie Kleikamp
(nee Gear)
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Michelle Marie Kleikamp, age 70, of Plainfield, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Lakewood Nursing Home with her son by her side. Michelle was born on December 30, 1954, to the late James and Dolores Gear, in Joliet and was a lifelong resident.
Michelle was a graduate of Joliet West High School. She retired as the Director of Railroad Services after 25 years in the bulk tank industry. Before that she started as a cook on the Mississippi Queen Steamboat, where she worked her way out of the kitchen and became a deck hand as a licensed tankermen on tow boats, and later moved up to Captain. This began her love for the river and reflected both her strong work ethic and her willingness to take on challenging responsibilities.
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Spirited, friendly, and intelligent, Michelle had a gift for connecting with others. A true social butterfly, she cherished spending time with her friends and those she loved. She found joy in the outdoors, especially gardening and camping, and she also enjoyed cooking, often bringing people together around a good meal.
Michelle is survived by her son, Larry Kleikamp; her stepchildren, Will, Lisa, and Julie; four step-grandchildren, Justin, Bradley, Adam, and Will, Jr.; her sister, Renee (Ted) Lynch-Wishin; her brother, Brian Gear; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jimmy, Kevin, and Shawn Gear; and the father of her son, Larry Kleikamp, with whom she always remained close.
Visitation for Michelle Marie Kleikamp will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. As it was her request, cremation rites will be accorded following Services and inurnment will be held privately by the family.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
