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Kleis, Donald F.
Donald F. Kleis, 89, of Maquoketa, died Sunday morning, Jan. 2, 2011, at Crestridge Nursing Home, Maquoketa. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to service time that day. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, with military rites accorded.
Donald F. Kleis was born July 22, 1921, in Davenport, Iowa, to Anker Frederick Kleis and Agnes Mary (Buck) Kleis. He attended Baldwin Public School and then enlisted in the U.S Army during World War II, serving in the European Theatre. He married Annelle Reed on Aug. 15, 1945, in Maquoketa.
Donald farmed in the Baldwin area until 1962. From 1962 to 1970, he had done various jobs and then from 1970 to 1980, he owned his own semi-tractor and was leased to Warren Transport. Don hauled tractors and farm machinery around the United States and Canada, and received numerous safety awards during his years with Warren Transport. In 1980, he began working for Farmers Supply in Delmar, retiring in 1984. In retirement he drove cars for Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa.
Donald was a member of Maquoketa American Legion Post 75 and Maquoketa VFW Post 3633 O'Connor-Regenwether, where he had served as past commander. He also was a member of First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa and had been a 4-H leader for several years.
Donald enjoyed playing cards, going to the livestock sale barn and the Chicago Cubs. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donald is survived by his wife, Annelle Kleis of Maquoketa; children, Don (Carol) Kleis of Oelwein, David (Theresa Siebels) Kleis of Anamosa and Maribeth Nehre of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Raymond; and a sister, Betty Mohr.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County.
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