Klaes, Robert Lee (1936-2021)

KLAES, WOLTER, HEMPHILL

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Robert Lee Klaes, age 84, of Guttenberg, IA, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at the Guttenberg Care Center. He was born on August 25, 1936 in rural Garber, IA, the son of John and Sarah (Wolter) Klaes.

Robert, known as Bob to his friends and family, attended St. Mary’s Catholic School where he graduated with the class of 1954. On June 2, 1956, Bob was united in marriage with Dianne Hemphill at St. Mary’s Church in Guttenberg and the couple was blessed with 5 children.

Bob was an active businessman in the community, working at Klaes Implement, Utah Electronics and Trademark Homes. He owned KE Transport along with Dianne. He also started several local businesses with his partners of Klaes & Barnhart, including The Cellar Nook and Diamond Jo Warehouse.

Bob was a life-long contributor to his community as a volunteer fireman, one of the first members of the Guttenberg Country Club, member of the Guttenberg Ski Club, member of the park board and more.

Bob loved gardening and was a well-known local artist. He created many wildlife paintings and commissioned works, including Guttenberg’s Centennial Plate. Lately his passion was documenting the history of the area through his paintings, one of which is of downtown Guttenberg that is permanently on display in the Guttenberg Library.

Bob will be greatly missed by his children, Kevin (Kari) Klaes, LeAnn Esmann, Lora (John) Kolker, Janet (Rick) Floyd & Mary Ellen (Tony) Lago; 15 grandchildren,13 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dianne in 2004 and sister and brother-in-law Gilbert and Marianna Barnhart.

In Lieu of flowers and all other styles of sympathy the family requests memorials to benefit any of the following local organizations: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guttenberg Public Library, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, Guttenberg EMS or the Guttenberg Fire Department.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Lee Klaes, please visit our floral store.