Klemme - Kenneth L. Kluckhohn, 92, most recently of Garner, formerly a lifelong resident of Klemme, passed away Tuesday (Dec. 4, 2007) at the Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa, following a short illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckmann will be officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by members of the Klemme and Garner Legion and VFW will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Today at the Andrews Funeral Home, 528 East Main St., Klemme, and continue one hour prior to the services at church Saturday. Memorials may be given to the Hancock County Chapter of the American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice.

Kenneth's life began on Feb. 17, 1915, the oldest son of Frank and Anna (Liljenberg) Kluckhohn. He had one brother, Franklin, and one sister, Carmen. He was born in a house on Second Street in Klemme.

Kenny attended the Klemme School District and graduated in the Class of 1932. After graduation he worked at various jobs.

In 1941 he enlisted in the Navy and was aboard the U.S.S. New Mexico. He served his country from 1941 to 1945 and was honorably discharged as a fire patrolman third class.

On July 10, 1946, he was married to Caroline Schwartz in Cedar Falls, Iowa. To this union two children were born.

His best friend, Joseph West (one of the first 50 highway patrolmen) talked him into joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. One of their many jobs included laying railroad tracks from Klemme to Belmond and throughout Iowa. Kenny very much enjoyed working alongside of Joe.

For five years Kenny owned and operated the Klemme Shoe Shop, selling and repairing shoes for many people throughout the region.

He joined the Klemme Fire Department where he served as a volunteer for several years. He was a lifelong member of the Klemme American Legion and the Garner VFW. He was the adjutant for the Klemme American Legion for many years.

Being a graduate of the Klemme School, he eventually worked as the janitor and bus driver at the old school. He worked for more than 20 years at the new school.

After retirement he and Caroline both worked at BMD in Klemme.

He was a member of the UCC Church and had served as one of its elders.

His hobbies included calligraphy (old English letters), painting and gardening. In earlier years he had been a musician and for many years was the emcee for the community movies that were held downtown.

Kenny and Caroline would help people in town with various jobs such as painting, cleaning house or cleaning their yards.

In 1999 he was diagnosed with colon cancer by Dr. Norman D. Thede of Britt. He was sent to the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines where he had surgery. He had been a nine-year survivor at the time of his death.

In recent years he had enjoyed congregate meals at the old Klemme School Building.

On Aug. 1, 2006, he moved into the Prairie View Apartments in Garner, with the help of his daughter and his nephew, Randy Olsen, and his wife, Monica. He enjoyed visiting with all the other residents and getting involved in their activities at the residence.

After a short illness he passed away at Westview Care Center on Dec. 4, 2007.

His wife, Caroline, passed away last year at the same place on June 9, 2006.

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Marchant, granddaughter, Angie Kluckhohn, both of Klemme; a grandson, Jeffrey Marchant, and special friend, Susie Field.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna (Liljenberg) Kluckhohn; a brother, Franklin Kluckhohn; a sister, Carmen Back; and his wife, Caroline.

Andrews Funeral Homes, Klemme, 641-587-2510.

source: Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Dec. 7, 2007, page A10, column 1

 

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Kenneth LeRoy Kluckhohn: born 17 Feb 1915 Klemme, Hancock County, Iowa - died 4 Dec 2007 Britt, Hancock County, Iowa

Grave marker at Calvary Cemetery, Klemme, Hancock County, Iowa - Block 5, Lot 112

Son of Frank William Kluckhohn, born 1882 - died 1954 and Anna Amelia Liljenberg, born 1892 - died 1930

 

Husband of: Caroline Schwartz, born 1922 - died 2006
 

Father of:

Carol Ann Kluckhohn Marchant (1948-2010)

Brother of:
Franklin George Kluckhohn (1918-1988)