Dr. Joan Kleczewski
February 27, 1955 - November 4, 2023
Joan Marie Kleczewski ( Dr. K ) was born on February 27, 1955 in Rockford, Illinois and died on November 4, 2023 in Littleton, Colorado. She is predeceased by per parents, Frank Michael Kleczewski and Monica Barbara Lukaszewicz, both of Rockford, IL. Joan is survived by her long time partner, Jean M Martine of Littleton, CO. She is also survived by her sister Barbara (Butch) Hoffman of Wisconsin and their children, Marion Fraley of Pennsylvania, Michael Hoffman of Vermont and Luke Hoffman of Wisconsin; her brother Frank (Claudia) Kleczewski of Wisconsin and their children, John Kleczewski, Matthew Kleczewski, Angela Blessington, and Christine Kleczewski, all of Wisconsin, as well as 13 great nieces and nephews.
Dr. K’s educational journey began at Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois, where she graduated in 1973. She later attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education in 1977. Joan's work history was as diverse and remarkable as she was. In her youth, she worked in a factory during high school. While in college, she showcased her culinary talents as a cook at Chautauqua in Boulder. After college, she served as a Map Librarian at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Following her time at the University of Colorado, Dr. K's career took her to various fields. She worked as a driver for Zimmer Automotive, transporting goods from Fort Collins to Denver. She also dedicated four seasons to the US Forest Service in Fort Collins, where she inventoried trails and campgrounds and played a vital role in coordinating the creation of the First Recreation Opportunity Guide in the United States for the Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest. Joan's commitment to public service continued as she joined the Littleton Fire Department's fire dispatch for 12 years. She took great pride in attending the HazMat class in Washington, D.C., where she represented the Littleton Fire Department.
Joan's journey eventually led her to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where she entered the College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1996. As a DVM, Joan embarked on a new chapter of her life, dedicated to caring for animals. From 1996 to 2000, she worked in private practice, specializing in small animals and serving as an associate veterinarian with VCA. In 2000, she realized her dream of owning her own practice, Centennial Veterinary Clinic, in Columbine Square, Littleton, Colorado. She provided exceptional care to countless pets and their owners until the practice's closure, necessitated by the closure of Columbine Shopping Center and her own health conditions in 2012.
Dr K was passionate about her clients, the dogs and cats, who came for treatment or sometimes just for a visit or even the stray that would show up at the door. She was the proud parent to 4 German Shepherds; the last being Gretta, her service dog that was the protector of Dr. K ‘s wheelchair as they traveled around town.
She also, over time, had 8 cats at her residences and 13 kittens & cats at the clinic. Most of the cats were placed with welcoming families except for the 4 resident cats.
In her younger years, she loved hiking the wilderness areas, cross-country skiing, and made a life long dedication to women’s rights, human rights, women’s music, folk music, and astro geophysics (stars/planets/ universe/planet earth and all animals).
Dr. K will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her passion for public service, and her commitment to the well-being of animals. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a lifetime of service to her community. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Be A Tree Cremation is handling all final services. Joan’s final request is that any memorial gifts go to The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado, Keenesburg, CO, the World Wildlife Fund, or any other animal rescue or no-kill shelter.
Peace and blessings to all.
