Leo Klocke

Leo L. Klocke, 92, of Waukon, IA died Thursday, May 29, 2014 at his home in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 2 at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in rural Postville, IA with Rev. Gary Catterson officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM Sunday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Leo Loyd Klocke was born December 10, 1921 at his parents' farm in Ludlow Township, IA.  He was the son of Albert John and Esther Anna (Duvel) Kloke. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in rural Postville, IA. Leo attended Ludlow #7 country school. On December 10, 1944, Leo married Dorothy Schoenthal at Zion Reformed Parsonage in Waukon, IA. He spent his entire life farming and also did electrical work and sold feed.

Leo thought the world of his wife Dorothy; the two were always together.  He was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, so proud of each and every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Leo had a great faith in God and was a lifelong member at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, where he was also a church elder. He thought very highly of his church family. Having a special place in his heart for kids, Leo was a Sunday school teacher, a youth leader at church, and a 4-H leader. For 22 years he was an "adopted grandparent" at the Waukon elementary schools. Leo established a softball diamond, complete with backstop and bases, in his pasture and the neighborhood kids came to play every Sunday and often on week nights. Leo loved gardening and fishing; teaching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids how to fish.  He graciously lent a helping hand to anybody, driving them to church or appointments.   Leo will always be remembered for his patience and easygoing nature; if the machinery broke he calmly made repairs or if the raccoons and birds got into the garden, he shrugged it off as no big deal and said, "They have to eat, too."

Leo is survived by his wife Dorothy of Waukon; three children: David (Barbara) Klocke of Independence, MO, Maxine (Chuck) Bloxham of Waukon, and Larry (Nancy) Klocke of Waukon; four grandchildren: Sara (Wayne) Lustberg, Ben (Emily) Klocke, Jason (Janice) Bloxham, and Jenny (Lee) Stegen; seven great-grandchildren: Spencer, Hannah, Zachary, Connor, Grace, Dylan, and Vaughn; sister-in-law Ruby Kloke of Waukon; brother-in-law Curtis Schoenthal of Waukon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Milo and Robert Kloke; and two sisters: Bernita Hanson and Mary Ann Miller.

Casketbearers are grandsons Jason Bloxham and Ben Klocke, grandsons-in-law Wayne Lustberg and Lee Stegen, and nephews James Hanson, Dennis Kloke, Wayne Kloke, and Jerry Schoenthal.