Obituary Listings

Vivian B. Kleinkopf, 86, a 51-year resident of Oak Park, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 5, to go see her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Vivian was born in East St. Louis, IL, daughter to Claud and Louise Saunders, and older sister to Richard and Harry Saunders. She grew up in small town Belleville, IL, loved arts and crafts, ice skating on ponds, and studied fashion design graduating from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, the second oldest all-women’s college in the U.S., from which she received Stephens’ highest award for alumnae. Vivian was an award-winning dress designer, painter, co-founder of the Park West Antiques Fair, avid gardener, nutrition business owner, member of Calvary Memorial Church, Oak Park, and matriarch, full of grace, heart, and energy for her family.

Vivian, nee Saunders, is predeceased by her precious parents Claud and Louise; and her beloved husband John whom she has looked forward to being with again in Heaven, and with whom she raised their three sons.

Vivian is survived by her three sons, Mark of Naperville, James (Julie) of Sarasota, FL, and Jeff (Karlen) of River Forest; her grandchildren, Matt, Jack, Will; Colin (Rebecca), Jamie, Katie; and Keira; her brothers Richard of Rocheport, MO, and Harry (Penny) of Atlanta, GA. Vivian appreciated her dear friend Marilyn Garapolo and others who visited frequently with love to share hot tea, warm sunshine, and long conversation.

Kindly, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Grace Lutheran School (7300 Division St., River Forest, River Forest, IL 60305, www.graceriverforest.org ), where her three sons attended, and her youngest granddaughter currently attends.

State of Illinois Phase Three Re-Opening compliant indoor “Visitation” will be held at Drechsler, Brown, & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park, on Friday June 12, 10am-12noon. Following indoor visitation, a brief outdoor “Celebration of Life Service” will be held at Concordia Cemetery, 7900 Madison St., Forest Park at 12:30pm.

To plant a tree in memory of Vivian B. Kleinkopf, visit the Tribute Store.

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