Klemme, Leonard Fredrick 1919 - 2006

KLEMME, TAPPER, SWIFT, GALVIN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/10/2010 at 18:21:24

Leonard Klemme

Date of Death
Saturday, October 28, 2006

Leonard F. Klemme, 87, of Le Mars passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at his home in Le Mars.

Pallbearers will be Ralph Klemme, Gerald Klemme, Rodney Klemme, Robin Klemme, David Klemme, Scott Klemme, Jim Klemme, Robert Walrod, and Duane Popken. Honorary pallbearer will be Henry Herrig

Leonard Fredrick Klemme was born on April 30, 1919 on the family farm in Preston Township to Fred and Etta (Tapper) Klemme. Leonard was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Preston Township. He attended country school in Preston Township. Leonard was united in marriage to Lois Swift on January 17, 1942 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron, Iowa. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II. Leonard farmed until 1962 when he and Lois purchased the Akron Lanes and operated the business for 17 years. In 1980, they owned and operated the Hardware and Appliance Store in Akron with Tom and Beth Ross until 1982. Lois passed away on June 8, 1984. Leonard later married Alwayne Galvin on September 5, 1987 at First Methodist Church in Le Mars and made his home in Le Mars.

In 1989, Leonard began mowing grass at the Le Mars Municipal Golf Course during the summers for his niece and nephew, Doug and Julie Schultz. He continued mowing until just a few weeks ago.

Leonard lived a very active life and was always involved in his church and community and forever had other people’s interest at heart. He was very instrumental in the youth bowling programs in Akron and concerned about the Akron community. He loved the land and to see the beauty of crops growing and the beauty of a beautifully mowed field and golf fairways. More than anything, he loved his family and treasured all of his friends.

Leonard was a member of the Le Mars United Methodist Church and the Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post #186 of Akron, Iowa. He had also been a member of the Masonic Lodge in Akron and the Consistory in Sioux City.

Survivors include his wife Alwayne of Le Mars; 2 children: Judy Ridgeway of Goodyear, Arizona and Gaynor and his wife Ann Klemme of St. Louis, Missouri; 2 grandchildren: Becki and her husband Jeff Dutton and Kim and her husband Justin Stuppy all of St. Lois, Missouri; 2 great granddaughters, Kelsey Dutton and Alyssa StuppyAlyssa Klemme; 2 brothers: Lowell and his wife Vivian Klemme of Le Mars and Harvey and his wife Betty Klemme of Akron; in-laws: Charlene Boyle of Le Mars, Burton and Arlene Swift of Akron, and Barney Swift of Akron; and several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Leonard was preceded in death by his first wife Lois on June 8, 1984; a sister, Irene Kruse; 4 brothers: Benny in infancy, Arnold, Norman, and Alvin Klemme; in-laws, Art Popken, Claus Kruse, Charles Swift, Tom Boyle, Genevieve Earner, and Virginia Swift; 2 nephews, Larry and Scott Swift; and a son-in-law, Ken Ridgeway.

Visitations will be after 3:00 p.m. Monday, October 30th at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the family present to greet friends after 5:30 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service and Masonic Service Monday evening at the funeral home. Visitations will continue at the church from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at the Le Mars United Methodist Church with Reverend Jason Larson, officiating. Interment with military honors provided by the Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post #186 of Akron will be 1:30 p.m. at the Riverside Cemetery, near Akron, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland, American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.

Source: Carlsen Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa