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In Loving Memory of

Joey Steven Klatka Jr.

December 12, 1980 – November 21, 1996
Lived 15 years
Streetsboro, Ohio
Life story

Joey was our first born Son when we lived in Solon Ohio.

We moved to Chagrin Falls by the Roller Rink until Joey was in kindergarten. Then moved to Streetsboro, Ohio where he lived until he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

He was in 9th grade at Streetsboro High School.

Joey was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma III (brain cancer) on March 31 1995. He had to deal with doctors, needles, surgery, sickness, hairloss and all the things that go with treatment.

It is remarkable that he was able to lead a somewhat normal teenage life. He would always bounce back quickly from

all his treatments. He had a job at the Chagrin Valley Roller Rink working the skate counter and fixing skates.

Joey loved fishing and playing computer games.

He was starting to slow down in October. He hadn't felt very well. He still was able to get up and go trick or treating for Halloween but he was weak.

The week of Nov 4th 1996 I had rushed him to the hospital. His tumor had worked its way to the brain stem

and into the vital functions. He was beginning to go into a coma. He was brought out of it on Friday November 8th and we brought him home. We had a hospital bed set up at home

Joey was still aware of what was going on but he tired quickly.

The last time I saw him smile was Wednesday night while watching an episode of Mr. Bean.

He died the morning of Nov 21 1996 at 11:42am EST.

Photos
Lifetime

The world Joey knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1980
Born December 12
1981
Joey was 1 when MTV began broadcasting
1986
Joey was 6 when "The Oprah Winfrey Show" went national
1989
Joey was 9 when "Seinfeld" premiered
1993
Joey was 13 when "Jurassic Park" opened in theaters
1994
Joey was 14 when "Friends" premiered
1995
Joey was 15 when "Toy Story" became the first fully computer-animated film
1996
Passed away November 21, age 15
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