Iva Nell Klinkenberg, 88, of McGregor, Iowa died Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Elkader Care Center in Elkader, Iowa. Iva was born February 24, 1930 to Oscar and Nellie (Olson) Torkelson in Farmersburg, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Norway Lutheran Church, rural St. Olaf, Iowa. Iva graduated from Farmersburg High School and was valedictorian of her class.
Iva was united in marriage with Lee Klinkenberg on January 24, 1952 at St. John Lutheran Church, Farmersburg, Iowa. She then worked as a telephone operator, a bookkeeper, a department store clerk, and a floral designer, a love she continued to pursue throughout her life with the flowers from her own garden. She and Lee then moved to rural McGregor where they farmed together for 64 years. Four daughters were born to this union. Iva was very involved at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg as a long-time member of WELCA, and a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent. She enjoyed gardening, painting, watching birds, reading, doing crosswords, playing scrabble and canasta with her family, and taking care of her outdoor cats. She played the piano and inspired her daughters to sing and play music. All who knew her loved her quiet dignity, caring heart, and kind spirit which made her such a special lady.
Iva is survived by her husband of 66 years, Lee of McGregor, Iowa, four daughters, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren: LeAnn (Max) Seeland of Verona, Wisconsin and daughters, Jessica Seeland and Alyssa (Ryan) Lotzer, Natalie, Dylan, and Taylor; Linell (Jeff) Anderson of Malabar, Florida, and sons Nathan (Sarah) Anderson and Naima, and Jordan Anderson; Laurel (Dave DeHoff) Klinkenberg of Quincy, Illinois and her family Lee (Kristin) Moser and Hayden, Marie Moser, Krista (Clay) Shirk and Zoe; Lisa (Russ) Leuck of Elgin, Iowa and daughters Tess Leuck and Sophie Leuck. She is also survived by one sister, Minerva Leonard of Sycamore, Illinois.
Iva was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Nellie Torkelson; brother and sister-in-law, Quentin and Ruby Torkelson; and a sister and brother-in-law, Opal and Millard Houg.
Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, Monday, March 5, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church, Farmersburg, Iowa.
Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am, Monday, March 5, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church, Farmersburg, Iowa with Rev. Harold McMillin as the officiant.
Burial will be at Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.
Memorials can be directed to the Friends of the Elgin Public Library and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Farmersburg.