Donald E. Klendworth 1932-2009

KLENDWORTH, POWELL, RICH, ZWEIBAHMER, REICKS, HEMESATH

Posted By: Nancy (email)
Date: 9/7/2009 at 13:39:56

Funeral services for Donald E. Klendworth, 76, of Randalia were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at United Methodist Church in Randalia, Iowa. The Rev. Robert Shreve officiated.

Linda Johansen was the organist.

Interment was in the West Union Cemetery. Casket bearers were Adam Hilgerson, Leroy Klendworth, Bill Klendworth, Tony Renken, Rudy Moritz and Russell Rich.

Honorary casket bearers were Herb Kincaid, Marty Lohman, Roy Teymeyer and Darwin Pionke.

Arrangements were handled by Burnham-Wood Funeral Home, West Union.

Don's peaceful passing occurred in his sleep Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at his home, with family and close friends around him, after several long and hard battles with cancer. Those caring for him were his loving wife, Alice; his daughter, Mary Jane; and special caregivers Diann, Lyndee, Ashlee, Ronda and Betty.

Donald Edward Klendworth, son and fifth child of Lee and Elsie Mae (Powell) Klendworth, was born Aug. 27, 1932, in Streator, Ill.

He graduated from Minonk (Ill.) High School in 1949.

Don served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a corporal.

On Dec. 6, 1953, Don was united in marriage with Alice Jane Rich at the Baptist Church in Graymont, Ill. To this union two children were born, John Edward in 1961 and Mary Jane in 1963.

In 1956, the Klendworths moved from Illinois to rural Stanley, Ia., where they farmed 240 acres. From 1965 to the present, they've resided in rural Randalia, where they farm 640 acres.

Don was a member of United Methodist Church in Randalia and served his church in various capacities, including trustee.

His activities and enjoyments included being a 4-H member and leader, raising registered Angus show cattle, playing pool, bowling, golfing, hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing, and taking trips. He was a plane pilot and a talented auctioneer; he loved to sing the "Auctioneer Song." He enjoyed spending time with family and just a lot of joking around.

Don's work achievements include being the district sales manager for Super Crost Seeds. Don developed the philosophy that "selling is sharing." He led the company in sales for seven years. A special achievement was being named as Craftsman of the Year in 1987.

Don was known for many things and memories, some of which included his extreme kindness, making people feel good, his jokes and teasing, his famous "Dog Jaw" and "Gimme a kiss on the cheek."

Preceding Don in death were his son, John; his parents; his sister, Maxine and husband Rudy Sr.; his brother Burdette and wife Virginia; his brother Roy; and his brother-in-law, "Buddy" Rich.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Alice; his daughter, Mary Jane (Ken) Zweibahmer of Ossian; his daughter-in-law, Cynthia Klendworth (Curtis) Reicks of West Union; two grandsons, Nic Klendworth and Luke Reicks; four granddaughters, Kristine and partner Tyler Hemesath, Kate and Kitty Zweibahmer, and Rachel Reicks; a greatgrandson, Levi Hemesath; a great-granddaughter, adopted by love, Nevaeh Rose Solheim.

Also surviving are two brothers, Russell (Lorna) Klendworth of Dana, Ill., and Carl (MaDonna) Klendworth of Flannigan, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Velma Klendworth of Minonk, Ill.; many other relatives and loving friends.

Fayette County Union, 26 August 2009