Dennis Klenda observes Leap Year birthday
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
It's a big deal whenever Dennis Klenda of Pilsen gets to celebrate his birthday on the date of his birth. He was born Feb. 29, 1944.
Every time Feb. 29 rolls around, which happens every four years, his family plans a big party somewhere. Sometimes it's a surprise, but always it is with friends and relatives.
"It's four years of birthday parties rolled into one," said Dennis's oldest son Dale.
According to the number of leap years during his lifetime, Dennis will be 16 years old Friday. His younger son, Tyler, will be 16 years old later this year.
Dale was 11 years old on Dennis's 11th leap-year birthday.
Dennis's family celebrates his yearly birthdays on Feb. 28 or March 1, whichever is most convenient.
"My mother didn't want me to be born on the 29th, but she had a long labor, and I was born at 8:30 a.m.," he said.
He and his wife, Terri, have two married daughters: Denise Wetzel of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Darlene Sergeant, Emporia. Dale is married and lives in Pilsen. Tyler is a freshman at Centre High School.
As for being 16: "I would like to think that I am still young," Dennis said, "but I have to admit I am getting older."
If the truth must be told, he will be 64 years old.
