The towns in Colorado and Kansas grieve about the loss of the U.S. Navy Builder 3rd Class Natile Klecker, whose death shook her relatives.
Her peers said she was the type of person who observed things others didn’t, like ensuring the last person in the room had a seat, or offering her lunch to a teammate who forgot theirs. Those little gestures, which continued over the years, created memories that can’t be forgotten
She was raised in Denver with a strong sense of duty and also collaborated with the U.S. Navy Seabees, where she became famous for her consistency in work and affection for people. One of the big moments she brags about is when a mission took her to Thailand for Exercise Cobra Gold 2020, where she supported a three-room school for rural children.
Her colleagues remember how she stays late to double-check the measurements, making the classroom feel comfortable and welcoming.
The deceased later made her home in Merrian, Kansas, where residents in the community spoke of her love, reliability, and her integrity. Her sense of humor and kind heart drew people easily.
Since she died, tributes have been paid by her fellow service members and peers and have filled social media. Numerous testified that she lifted others by checking on them with a smile, even on the toughest days.
Her relatives and the Navy community will declare a day for her burial as soon as to respect a life lived on courage, service, and generosity.
