Klenk, Donald Gene

Donald Gene Klenk, 85, of Middle Amana, died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at home following a brief illness. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Oxford United Methodist Church, with burial following at Oxford Cemetery, where military honors will be provided. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the church, with a Masonic service beginning at 7 p.m.

Online condolences can be sent to his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Don was born Aug. 1, 1928, son of Earl and Louise (Benzinger) Klenk. On Dec. 27, 1958, he married Eileen Himes at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Don worked at Amana Refrigeration as an engineer for 42 years; before that he served during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. Don enjoyed his time reading, working on crosswords and Sudoku puzzles.

His family includes his wife of 54 years, Eileen; daughters, Pam Kelly (Mike) of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Lori Ballard (Bill) of Marengo; daughter-in-law, Linda Stoakes-Daseke of Mason City; seven grandchildren, Ryan Kelly (Kortney), Carrie Moore (Shaun), Kevan Kelly (Cary), Meggan Deseke (Ben Provin), Scott Ballard (Jessi), Jeff Ballard (Shelby Usher) and Christine Ballard; and eight great-grandchildren, Katelynne, Lindsay, Wyatt, Garrett, Max, Troy, Trevor and Mercedes.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bob; grandson, Nicholas; and two sisters, Ellyce and AnnaMarie.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Don's family and his services.

Published Sept. 8, 2013 in The Gazette