Lee Elmer Klinkenberg, 95, formerly of rural McGregor, passed away at the Elkader Care Center on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Lee Elmer Klinkenberg, 95, of McGregor, Iowa died Monday, July 28, 2025 at Elkader Care Center in Elkader, Iowa. Lee was born April 2, 1930 to Carl and Lucy (Witte) Klinkenberg in St. Olaf, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical and Reformed Church, Elkader, Iowa.
Lee graduated from Elkader High School. Lee was united in marriage with Iva Torkelson on January 24, 1952 at St. John Lutheran Church, Farmersburg, Iowa and was a truly devoted husband. Lee was drafted and served in the Korean War. Upon his return, Lee and Iva moved to rural McGregor where they farmed together for 64 years. Four daughters were born to this union.
Lee’s biggest joys in life were farming, fishing, and family. He also enjoyed hunting and watching the Iowa State Cyclones, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Wisconsin Badgers basketball teams. His life’s work was taking care of the land. He was a true soil conservationist, skilled mechanic, and innovative farmer. Lee was also very involved at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg.
Lee is survived by four daughters, nine grandchildren, and 13 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, Naima and Nova, and Jordan (Reese) Anderson, and Ingeborg; Laurel (Dave DeHoff) Klinkenberg of Marion, Iowa and her family Lee (Kristin) Moser, Hayden and Ryan, Marie (Mike) Navis, Elena and Kayla, Krista (Clay) Shirk, Zoe, Avery and Ella; Lisa Leuck of Elkader, Iowa and daughters Tess Leuck and Sophia Leuck.
Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Iva, parents, Carl and Lucy Klinkenberg; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Leila Klinkenberg; and a brother and sister-in-law, Orval and Betty Klinkenberg.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9AM until 11AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg.
Funeral Services: 11AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg.
Interment with Military Honors: Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery, rural, Farmersburg.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.