Obituary of James Sylvester Klaren

James S. Klaren, 73, of Worthington, died Thursday, November 13, 2014, at the Ellen Kennedy Living Center in Dyersville. Friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 17, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 4:00 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Jim was born February 7, 1941, in Worthington the son of Nicholas and Armella (Schwers) Klaren. He married Judith Power on February 19, 1966, in Delhi, Iowa. Together they farmed, and Jim worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years until retirement in 1996. He was a 50 Year Member, Third Degree, of the Knights of Columbus Council 2001 in Farley, and a proud member of UAW Local 94. Jim's greatest joys were spending time with his family and his dogs, and being outside on his four-wheeler. He was well known for his one-liners, being half an hour early to everything, making people laugh, and calling a spade a spade. Jim's only regret was never buying that 747 he always wanted. Survivors include his 2 daughters: Julia Klaren of Cedar Rapids, and Jill (Shaunesy) Daly of North Liberty, 2 sons: Jonathan Klaren of San Diego, CA and Jay Klaren of Los Angeles, CA, 4 grandchildren: Aiden Klaren, Claire and Stella Daly, and Daniel (Klaren) Phelps; and one sister, Janice (David J.A.) Kramer of Dyersville, and sister-in-law, Dolores Klaren of Hopkinton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Judith in 2005, siblings: Joseph Klaren in infancy, Fred Klaren, Joann in infancy and Betty Klaren in childhood. Jim's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of the family and friends who lent a hand during his illness. Special thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at the Ellen Kennedy Living Center, and to Edna and Amy from Hospice of Dubuque, who brightened his days and added life to his years.