Franklin Klemetson

FRANKLIN D. KLEMETSON

Cedar Rapids

Franklin D. Klemetson, 85, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019, at his home following an extended illness. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13,

at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with military honors. Private graveside services will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Frank was born Jan. 25, 1934, on a farm near Ulen, Minn., to parents Enok and Marie (Skrien) Klemetson. After eight years of grade school, he attended Ulen High School and graduated with the Class of 1952. Frank served in the U.S. Army Signal Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, for three years overseas and attained the rank of sergeant. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 8, 1958. Upon discharge from the service, Frank graduated with a degree in electronics from North Dakota State College of Science in 1960. After graduation, he went to work for Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids for and remained there for 35 1/2 years. He was a field service engineer and aircraft communications systems engineer. He traveled extensively throughout the world as an instructor for national, international and foreign military pilots on the use of Rockwell radio technology.

While working in South Carolina, he married Pamela Ruth Leonard of Florence, S.C., in 1963. They later divorced. With this union three children were born, Darren, Paige and Tiffany.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, repairing things, working in his yard, gardening, fishing, boating and studying and researching genealogy. He also enjoyed amateur radio after obtaining his license while in high school, and enjoyed working with electronic and electrical equipment throughout his life. He had a passion for animals of all kinds. He was a member of the Sons of Norway and the American Legion Post 0298.

Survivors include his children, Darren (Lisa) Klemetson, Paige (Dan Grossman) Klemetson-Grossman and Tiffany (Kris Smith) Klemetson; two granddaughters, Abigail and Emily Klemetson; a brother, Arley Klemetson; and former wife, Pamela Klemetson. He left behind his best friend, "Big Ole," his faithful cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Olga, Eunice, Frieda, Myron and Henry.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight at www.honorflight.org or Cedar Valley Humane Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.