Justin Klages

Justin Matthew Ronald Klages, 24, of Harvard, Illinois passed away on December 16, 2024.

Justin was born on Sunday, January 9, 2000, in Barrington, Illinois, the son of Gary and Kathleen (Grajek) Klages. He was the youngest of their three children.

He was homeschooled and then attended Harvard High School, where he was class president for his graduating class. Justin volunteered helping run a Celebrate Recovery Children’s program and also at Dream Riders (at TLC Centers for Therapy), both in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He helped his Church family serve many holiday meals at Cornerstone Shelter in Chicago. He even worked as a crossing guard for several semesters, enjoying making friends with the many school bus drivers.

Growing up Justin loved working on farms. He loved working in the hay fields and tinkering on tractors. He loved animals, especially horses. Justin loved adopting rescue doggos as well. It saddened him deeply to have to say good-bye to Ranger, the family’s rescued stallion and his dog Duke, also a rescue that was found on the streets of Harvard.

Hardworking, he put his heart into everything he did. Justin worked many different jobs before, during and after his high school years. During high school he was in an internship program at Scot Forge in Spring Grove, Illinois. After graduating, he went to work full time in the Heat Treat Department. He was passionate about his job and proud of his accomplishments there, while at the same time attending college to obtain a degree in Manufacturing Management, carrying a 3.8 GPA. Justin was skilled at many things. He wanted to learn by jumping in and tackling whatever the new challenge was.

He loved with a burning intensity like the sun. Justin was always willing to help his family, friends or anyone else. He enjoyed traveling to different places and states, always excited for a road trip. He loved children and adored being Uncle Justin.

Justin is survived by his parents Gary and Kathy Klages, his siblings Garrett Klages and Katrina “Apples” (Gage) Mares, nephew Wayne Mares, Grandfather Ronald Klages, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Justin chose to make many people part of his family. He also is survived by Patricia Bredehorst, the Dietz family, the K. Meyer family, two different Tracies, Alex Hildreth; there were his work brothers; Big Block, Alec Doobiesnacks, Marcos Flores; former co-workers; Yogi, Jeff S., Jerry B. and many more too numerous to list or count. 

He was preceded in death by four infant siblings, his maternal grandparents Richard and Mary Ann, his paternal grandmother Jean and his beloved friend, hero and mentor Wayne Bredehorst.

Justin is now with Jesus, but will be greatly missed by the many who loved him here on earth.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 3 PM until 8 PM at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. Additional visitation will be held from 10 AM until 11 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Memorial service to follow at 11 AM at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Justin's memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://supporting.afsp.org/campaign/Justin-Klages- or Newman Nation: Senior Pets United, seniorpetsunited.org/donate  

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

For more information, call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at 815-943-5400.