Klema, William 1894-1945
KLEMA, LARSON, PRESKA, KURTH, WHEATMAN, DYRLAND
Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/14/2024 at 13:03:10
Clayton County Register, 26 Apr. 1945.
William Klema, 51, station agent and operator here for nine years, died at 11:30 Wednesday evening from a heart attack. Although in failing health for the last four years, Mr. Klema continued his work. Funeral arrangements await word from relatives in Canada. He is survived by his wife and their two daughters, Mrs. Irene E. (Joe) Larson, and Miss Della G. Klema at home.
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Clayton County Register, 03 May 1945.
Funeral services for William Klema, 50, who died suddenly at his home here at 11:30 Wednesday evening following a heart attack, were held at the Witt Funeral Chapel at 1:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon. The Rev. Paul Kitterer officiated. Burial was in the Monona Cemetery at Monona. Although Mr. Klema had suffered from a heart ailment for the past four years his death was unexpected and came as a shock to his family and friends. He had been up and around and about his work at the C.M. and St. Paul depot the day of his death.
William Klema was born at Conover, Ia., on July 23, 1894, the son of Albert and Mary (Preska) Klema. On Feb. 18, 1914 at Wheaton, Ill., he was married to Miss Elsie Kurth of Monona, Ia. Two children were born to this union: Della Grace, at home, and Mrs. Joe (Irene Elsie) Larson, of Elkader.
Mr. Klema began his career of railroading as a fireman for the C.M. and St. Paul railroad and later took up telegraphy. He was telegrapher and station agent for the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad for thirty-two years. He received a medal at the end of twenty-five years for faithful service. He was a member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. Mr. Klema served at various stations of the Milwaukee road, some of his longer assignments were: West Chicago, six years; Monona, 17 years and for the past nine years at Elkader.
Surviving besides his widow and two children are three brothers George Klema of New Hampton, Albert of Chicago, and Frank of Winnepeg, Canada; two sisters, Mrs. John Wheatman and Mrs. Mary Dyrland, both of Decorah.
Pallbearers were John Reardon, E. C. Bandow, A. H. Johnson, Charles Winkler, William Jacobs and Merrill H. Smith.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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