John F. (Jack) LeClere, 68, of Bertram, died in his home after a lengthy illness. Services: 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2005, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Bill Harnish. The family will greet friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2005, at the funeral home. Burial: Campbell Cemetery, Bertram.

Survivors include his mother, Beatrice of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Rebecca (Art) Delp of Austin, Texas; son, Warren of Cedar Rapids; and grandson, Cody of Cedar Rapids; a brother, James (Marilou) LeClere of Clearwater, Florida; and a sister Judy Brown of Cedar Rapids.

Also surviving are 15 nieces and nephews; numerous aunts and uncles; a very special young woman, Angela (Paul) Oster and family of Clarksville, Tennessee; and good friends, Scott and Janice Carter of Bertram. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ramona; brother, Allen (Buzz); and father, Ray.

Jack was born January 6, 1937, the son of Raymond and Beatrice LeClere in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955, and was united in marriage to Connie (Browne) Vanous in December of 1958. They had three children together. He was a glazier for Local # 581 Rock Island, Illinois. He completed his apprenticeship at Pittsburgh Paint and Glass and retired from Allied Glass after 39 years. In addition to his construction duties he also maintained Allied’s fleet of vehicles. He was an expert mechanic and carpenter, loved working with his hands and could fix anything. He also had a love of the outdoors, kids, and animals. Jack was a kind-hearted, soft-spoken hulk of a man (Big Jack) who never declined to help anyone. He had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be around. He was a faithful and supportive father and friend and will be very greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Hospice and a special thank you to Janice Carter.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jack’s memory to St. Luke’s Hospice or the American Cancer Society.