James Klemp

James L. Klemp, 70, of rural Waukon, IA, died Friday, November 23, 2018, at his home. Private family services will be held later at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

James Lee Klemp was born December 12, 1947, in rural Tripoli, IA, the son of Lester and Esther (Schneider) Klemp. Jim grew up in the Readlyn, IA, area and graduated from Sumner High School. A farmer for most of his life, Jim moved around with his parents, renting farms throughout Northeast Iowa and also worked with other farmers. He liked doing crop work and raising dairy cows. Jim also loved having other animals on the farm, particularly cats and dogs. On December 11, 1990, Jim married Sharon (Rubendall) Goeke at her sister's house in Frankville, IA. For 21 years, he also worked at the Decorah Walmart, retiring in 2012. Though he mostly liked spending time at home, Jim did enjoy visiting with friends and playing dominos.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of Waukon; his sisters: Carole (Jerry) Hadley of Dysart, IA, and Rosalie (William) Wiedner of Waterloo, IA; five stepchildren: Dixie Schnuelle of Waukon, Randy Brainard and Scott Brainard, both of Luana, IA, Janet Halweg of Burr Oak, IA, and Lori Luebbers of Sumner, IA; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Honorary casketbearers are Adam and Tanya, Addison and Abigail, and Dwain and Jean. Casketbearers are Adam Schnuelle, Thomas, Teddy, and Travis Benda, Derrick Muchow, and Shane Warren.