John W. Klemm

John was born in Taylorville, IL, on June 15, 1946, to Otto J. and Marie (Hall) Klemm. He lived in Kincaid until the age of 14, when his family moved to Springfield. He married Susan Biderbost on September 2, 1967, at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Springfield.

John was a graduate of Griffin High School, class of 1964, Illinois State University, class of 1969, and Sangamon State University, class of 1973. He was a high school teacher and coach at Christian Brothers in Quincy, and Griffin in Springfield. He also worked for the State of Illinois at the Department of Public Aid and the Office of the Auditor General.

Following his time at the State, John became interested in real estate and opened Sangamon Realty in 1978. However, his real interest was in land development. During his development career spanning nearly 40 years, John created several subdivisions and golf course communities that transformed Springfield – including Cider Mill, Panther Creek, Piper Glen, The Reserve, Savannah Pointe, and The North Reserve, He was especially proud of his golf course developments: the Hale Irwin designed Panther Creek Country Club and the award-winning Piper Glen Golf Club.

John was also heavily involved in the community. He was a member of the Springfield Public Building Commission and served as building committee chairman during construction of the Sangamon County Building and Courts complex in downtown Springfield. John also served on the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame board, the Springfield Area Home Builders Association board, and as President and committee chair for the Capital Area REALTORS. As an active alumnus of Griffin, he served on the SHG advisory board and volunteered for 24 years with his wife in the SHG Mostaccioli Dinner carryout line. John was inducted into the SHG Hall of Fame in 2007. He was also a faithful parishioner of St. Agnes Parish for more than 45 years.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed golf, including a trip to Scotland to play the Old Course, watching Illini and SHG sports, and trips to Naples and The Villages. Most of all, John loved his family. He coached his children in T-ball, softball, and basketball from grade school to high school. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan; their children, Cynthia Vivian of Woodbridge, Virginia; Stephen (Tamara) of Peoria; and Kevin (Denise) of Springfield; their grandchildren, Andrew, Claire, Mark, and Adam Vivian; Noah, Lucy, and Theo Klemm; and Annie and Lucas Klemm; his siblings, Otto (Marie), and Mike (Rita); sisters-in-law, Sr. Angelene Biderbost, OP and Kathleen Xamis; brother-in-law, Bill Biderbost (Joanne); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant son, Mark Andrew.

His family would like to thank the staff at Lacon Rehab and Nursing for the care they provided to John during his final months.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, prior to services.

Memorial Gathering and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL, followed by the Mass at 11:30 a.m. with Very Rev. Daniel J. Bergbower, celebrant.

A private Graveside Ceremony will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702; or to the Springfield Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.