Robert Klimesh

Robert Klimesh, age 89, of Fort Atkinson, IA, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Saint Mary’s hospital in Rochester, MN surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Rev. Daniel Knipper presiding. There will be full military rites following the service. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. prior to the service at the Helms Funeral Home Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson. Robert Joseph Klimesh was born on August 27,1934, the son of Alvin & Sidonia Klimesh. He attended school in Spillville, Iowa in his younger years and graduated High School in Shell Rock, Iowa. After graduation he joined the Navy and was stationed on the USS Laffey DD-724 (1952-1955) as an electrician. When his deployment was over, he became a mechanic at the Klimesh Ford Dealer in Calmar, Iowa for 42 years. Robert was united in marriage to Elaine Doubek on February 11,1958 at St John’s church in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, riding his bicycle, woodworking, fishing, campfires, mushroom hunting, stock car racing, storytelling, USS Laffey Reunions, helping at the annual Rendezvous Days celebration, frying fish, playing cards, and photography. Robert always had a story to tell, and he liked to use his creativity to rebuild, redesign and reuse items to create new purposeful tools and treasures that he gave to his family and friends. Robert was a member of the Fort Atkinson Volunteer fire department for 30 years and a member of the American Legion Post 672, VFW Post 3902, and the Tin Can Sailors Association. Robert is survived by his five children: Barb Exey (special friend, Todd Duncan) of Decorah, Iowa, Debbie (Jeff) Larson of New Hampton, Iowa, Bill (Karla) Klimesh of Protivin, Iowa, Steve Klimesh of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, Julie (Eric) Houdek of New Hampton, Iowa. Twelve Grandchildren: Jacob (Hannah) Exey, Angela (Paul) Amundson, April (Sean) Singewald, Emily Larson, Ben Larson (Tracy Baker), Jamie (Jake) Heisler, Robert Klimesh (Sarah Pisney), Kyle Klimesh (Shianne Throndson), Calvin Klimesh, Haley Klimesh (Jonathan Jackson), Andrew Klimesh (special friend, Desarae), Caitlin Houdek (special friend, Ryan), Honorary Grandchildren: Sierra & Aria Duncan. Eleven Great Grandchildren: Sam & Josi Singewald, Jace, Jaelynn & Jackson Heisler, Ray & Cecelia Amundson, Isabella and K.J. Jackson, Lainee Exey, Kane Klimesh and Honorary Great-grandchild: Liam Patterson. Special Friend: Beverly Bohlen, two sisters Anne Lynch of Hokah, MN, Theresa (Chuck) Humphrey-Klimesh of Frankville, Iowa, Sister in Laws: Marilyn Klimesh of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mary Klimesh of Decorah, Iowa, Blanche (Ron) Jirak of Protivin, Iowa, along with several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his wife: Elaine Klimesh Parents: Alvin and Sidonia Klimesh. Two brothers: Jim and John Klimesh. Granddaughter: Kristina Klimesh. Great Grandson: Jayden Heisler. Sister-in-law & Brother-in-law: Betty and Arnold Wiest. Brother-in-law: Bill Lynch. Mother & Father-n-law: Cecelia and Bill Doubek