Bernard Klemm

Bernard Arthur Klemm, 74, of Forest City, Iowa, died peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015.

Per Bernard’s wishes, his body has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Bernie was born Aug. 24, 1941, the son of Arthur and Rose Alice (Swift) Klemm near Prole, Iowa.  He attended Garner-Hayfield Community Schools, and joined the U.S. Navy immediately after graduation at age 17.  He served as a Radio Technician during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and served on one of the final Blimp Squadrons.  He later attended North Iowa Area Community College before graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Bernie worked in Texas for Shell Oil, Brown and Root, and Tucson Light and Power.  He returned to Iowa in 1979 and pursued his teaching degree at University of Northern Iowa.  He taught at Forest City High School and was a part-time adjunct professor at Waldorf and NIACC.

Bernie married Judy Moeller in 1982 in Forest City.  After his three children were born he worked part-time painting houses and for the United States Postal Service.  He prided himself on being a stay-at-home dad before it was fashionable.

Bernie was always interested in new hobbies.  He dabbled in beekeeping, wine making, and culinary arts, but his true joy was gardening.  He was an adventurous traveler, highlighted by many family vacations to wilderness mountains, deserts, Hawaiian beaches, and fun cities on a shoestring.

Even after Bernie’s heart transplant in 2002, he was determined to travel and live life to the fullest.  Even kidney dialysis didn’t dull his adventures.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Judy, of Forest  City; three children, Heather (Kalani) Kilar, of Kawaii, Hawaii, Kristin Klemm of Salem, Ariz., and Elijah “Autumn” Svigals of Newton, Mass.; three grandchildren, Dannen, Alana, and Noah Kilar, of Kawaii; a sister, Lori (Ron) Haugeland of Carlsbad, Calif.; and a sister-in-law, Rosanne Klemm of Scarville, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his mother; and a brother, Paul Klemm.

Memorial Park Cemetery, Crematory, and Funeral Home, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.