Joseph A. Klostermann, age 80, of Breese, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at San Gabriel Memory Care in Highland. He was born April 5, 1945, in Breese, a son of the late Joseph B. and Frances (nee Heimann) Klostermann. A lifelong educator and devoted family man, Joe dedicated his life to nurturing both minds and hearts through his work in Catholic education and his loving presence at home.
Joe married Rebecca Klostermann (nee Priestley) on February 2, 1973, at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Belleville and she survives in Highland. Additionally, Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph David “JD” (Stephanie Sparks) Klostermann of St. Charles, MO, Dr. Brian (Ann) Klostermann of Breese, and Andrew (Joe Moore) Klostermann of Highland; grandchildren, Joseph Klostermann and James, Stella, and Rose Klostermann; sisters, Edith (Karl) Gerhard of Little Rock, AR and Helen Klostermann of Breese; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Leann Klostermann of Breese and Linda (Dave) Miller of St. Louis, MO; and nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Vincent Klostermann, Catherine (Cletus) Koerkenmeier, Dolores “Tudy” (Burnell) Weinheimer, Robert Klostermann, Marge (Tom) Richter, and Tom Burk; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Elizabeth (nee Sieberg) Priestley.
Joe graduated from Mater Dei Catholic High School in 1963 and went on to earn his degree in Secondary Education from Quincy University in 1967, where he also played basketball. He furthered his education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, earning a master’s degree in education in 1968.
Over the course of more than four decades, Mr. Klostermann made a lasting impact on thousands of students. He began his teaching career at Mater Dei Catholic High School (1967–1970) and taught at Althoff Catholic High School (1971-1973), Sparta High School (1973-1974), and St. Paul Catholic School in Highland (1974-1976), before returning to Mater Dei in 1978, where he remained until his retirement in 2010.
Joe was a longtime member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and a former member of the Breese Optimist Club. He had a deep love for gardening, was an avid follower of sports — especially the St. Louis Cardinals — and found his greatest joy in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. Chuck Tuttle presiding. Interment will take place at a later date.
Visitation will be Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School, All Saints Academy, or the Alzheimer’s Association and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
