An estimated 500 people holding lit candles lined the baseball diamond of the Leesport A-Field at Leesport Playground for a vigil held in memory of Schuylkill Valley 8th grader Conner Kleffel, 13, on Monday evening, Nov. 27.
Earlier that day, Conner had died as a result of head trauma sustained in a utility terrain vehicle accident during which the UTV struck a tree.
“I coached him there for many years. We played there. My son played there. I coached all of the kids on that field. That field meant a lot to him,” said coach Scott Rickert. “The outpouring of love has been absolutely wonderful. I’ve never seen so many people respond so quickly. The Kleffel’s have been a pillar of the community with their volunteerism, the stuff they do for (Schuylkill Valley Youth Baseball) Little League and everything else… A lot of kids and families have been affected by this.”
Rickert believes Connor is known for being hard working and loving, a great friend and teammate.
“He was one of those kids you dream of coaching,” said Rickert. “He was a dream athlete. He was a kid that was engaging, listened, always called me Coach Scott… He was just a great kid.”
Rickert said when someone got hurt in a game, he was the first one to ask if they were OK.
“Super kind-hearted boy. I can’t express that enough. A great family,” said Rickert. “This really hurts.”
A Centre Township resident, Connor played baseball, football and basketball. He would have celebrated his 14th birthday at a party on Dec. 2.
“If I could speak for Conner, I think what he would want people to know is what he did on Sunday (Nov. 26), getting baptized… he asked Jesus into his heart… He wanted to show his friends that he was following God and he wanted people to remember that and put away all of your differences and just be nice to each other. You only live a short time on this Earth so make the most of it with your friends.”
Conner was an organ donor. “From what I understand, he’s going to help 40 people with his organ donations. That’s a lot of people to help,” said Rickert. “He’s living on through others.”
Students decorated Conner’s locker at school.
“The entire Schuylkill Valley School District is mourning the loss of Conner Kleffel, an 8th grader at Schuylkill Valley Middle School, who passed away on Monday, Nov. 27,” said Schuylkill Valley School District Superintendent Cindy Mierzejewski in a statement. “Conner was a well-liked young man and everyone has only positive things to say about him. This is a deep loss and our thoughts are with the Kleffel family.”
After hearing the news on Nov. 27, Mierzejewski said the district immediately put plans in place to support Schuylkill Valley students as they returned to school on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
“The middle school utilized our district counselors, in addition to other trained county counselors to help our students process the events. Safe rooms were set up where students could freely go and talk about their thoughts, feelings, and be with friends to share memories to support one another,” Mierzejewski said. “Students could also talk with an available counselor, each other, and were encouraged to write or draw things that they wanted to share. The district supports will continue for our students and staff through this difficult time.”
According to his obituary, at memorials.leibenspergerfuneralhome.com, Conner was the son of Bradley and Nicoleen M. Kleffel and brother of Brynley. “He was a member of LCBC Berks, Leesport. Conner loved to play baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the BAFYL Championship team in 2015. He loved sports, hanging out with his friends, working out, and helping others. He was a Boy Scout, having received the Arrow of Light. Conner was named Student & Athlete of the Month for September 2017. He and his father enjoyed taking care of the baseball fields in Leesport. Conner was an extremely hard worker and was an ‘old soul.'”
A Celebration of Life service was scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. from LCBC Berks, 130 Redners Way, Leesport, preceded by visitation with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, send memorial contributions to Schuylkill Valley School District, 929 Lakeshore Drive, Leesport, PA 19533 ATTN: Conner Kleffel Scholarship Fund. Leibensperger Funeral Homes Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
There is a Meal Train on Facebook for the family and a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the family at https://www.gofundme.com/helping-the-kleffel-family.