Obituary of Elmer Klas

Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Leona Althoff of Dyersville, IA; one brother-in-law, Charles Leibold of Earlville, IA; 27 nieces and nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, nine sisters, Loretta Klas, Mary Borgerding, Ida and Tillie Klas, Alvina Heilers, Rose Riniker, Esther and Martha Jane Klas and Irene Leibold; four brothers-in-law, Ben Borgerding, Ted Althoff, Albert Heilers and Stephen Riniker; and one nephew, Joseph Leibold. Elmer was born on August 22, 1929, the son of Henry F. and Wilhelmina (Oberbroeckling) Klas on the Klas farm north of New Vienna in Liberty Township of Dubuque County. He attended St. Boniface Grade and High School in New Vienna and graduated in the Class of 1947. Elmer farmed all his life and was the fourth generation to farm the 150 year-old Klas farm. He was a member of St. Boniface Parish in New Vienna and was the secretary/treasurer and board member of the New Vienna Coop Oil Company from 1960-1979. He was a charter member of the Tri-County Sportsmen's Club, and formerly hosted the annual trap shoot on the Klas farm. He is remembered for his love and respect for the land, his enjoyment of a good solo card game, his sense of humor and his appreciation for family history and reunions. Memorial are preferred to Tri County Sportsman and New Vienna Fire Department.