James Elmer Klocke

James E. Klocke, 84, of Waukon, IA, formerly of Postville, IA, died Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Graveside services with military honors will be held Saturday, October 31st, at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Presbyterian Cemetery in rural Postville, IA, with Karla Johnson officiating. In consideration of concerns regarding Covid-19, social distancing and wearing of masks are required. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

James Elmer Klocke was born September 29, 1936, in Waukon, IA, the son of Elmer and Bernice (Nolte) Klocke. He grew up on a farm in Ludlow Township where he attended country schools and graduated from Waukon High School in 1954. On June 4, 1954 he married Marlene Mohs at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. Jim served in the US Navy for two years and then he went to work for the Rural Electric Coop in Postville for a short time. He reenlisted into the Navy in 1959, and was stationed in California, Florida, Virginia, and Maine until he retired in 1977. During that time he served on aircrafts and took many cruises in the Pacific and Mediterranean. He was a veteran of Vietnam.

After serving in the Navy, Jim returned to the home farm. He and Marlene lived in the Postville area where he took over the farming operation from his parents in 1980. Jim and Marlene moved into Waukon in 2015. He still went to the farm almost every day to work on machinery in his shop.

Jim was a member of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in rural Postville for his whole life except when he was serving in the Navy. He loved visiting with people, playing cards, watching football, and stock car races.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years Marlene Klocke of Waukon, IA; his children: Gary (Carol) Klocke and Barbara Klocke both of Grimes, IA; two grandchildren: Kelli (Tim) Lyon and Katie Klocke; and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.