Robert Lee Klaes

Obituary Robert Lee Klaes, age 84, of Guttenberg, IA, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at the Guttenberg Care Center. He was born on August 25, 1936 in rural Garber, IA, the son of John and Sarah (Wolter) Klaes. Robert, known as Bob to his friends and family, attended St. Marys Catholic School where he graduated with the class of 1954. On June 2, 1956, Bob was united in marriage with Dianne Hemphill at St. Marys Church in Guttenberg and the couple was blessed with 5 children. Bob was an active businessman in the community, working at Klaes Implement, Utah Electronics and Trademark Homes. He owned KE Transport along with Dianne. He also started several local businesses with his partners of Klaes & Barnhart, including The Cellar Nook and Diamond Jo Warehouse. Bob was a life-long contributor to his community as a volunteer fireman, one of the first members of the Guttenberg Country Club, member of the Guttenberg Ski Club, member of the park board and more. Bob loved gardening and was a well-known local artist. He created many wildlife paintings and commissioned works, including Guttenbergs Centennial Plate. Lately his passion was documenting the history of the area through his paintings, one of which is of downtown Guttenberg that is permanently on display in the Guttenberg Library. Bob will be greatly missed by his children, Kevin (Kari) Klaes, LeAnn Esmann, Lora (John) Kolker, Janet (Rick) Floyd & Mary Ellen (Tony) Lago; 15 grandchildren,13 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dianne in 2004 and sister and brother-in-law Gilbert and Marianna Barnhart. In Lieu of flowers and all other styles of sympathy the family requests memorials to benefit any of the following local organizations: St. Marys Catholic Church, Guttenberg Public Library, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, Guttenberg EMS or the Guttenberg Fire Department. Services Visitation Thursday June 24, 2021 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home and Crematory Services 207 South 1st Street Guttenberg, IA 52052 Visitation Friday June 25, 2021 10:00 AM to 10:55 AM St. Mary's Catholic Church 520 S 2nd St Guttenberg, IA 52052 Mass of Christian Burial Friday June 25, 2021 11:00 AM St. Mary's Catholic Church 520 S 2nd St Guttenberg, IA 52052 Interment Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery Miners Creek Rd Guttenberg, IA 52052