Delmer James Klinkenborg

Delmer J. Klinkenborg (Joe) passed away August 8, 2026. Joe was in his happy place on the farm in Bedford, Iowa with his oldest daughter, Karla, by his side. They spent a few precious hours riding around, taking in the beauty of his beautiful farm. Joe was born in George, Iowa on November 10, 1935, the son of Elmer E. and Virginia Blanche (Culver) Klinkenborg. He grew up in George, where he graduated from high school in 1955. Ten days after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for a three-year term of service.

On July 20, 1957, Joe married Beverly J. Pettengill from Rock Rapids, Iowa. Following their marriage, they moved to Oceanside, California, where Joe completed his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1958.

Joe and Bev returned to George, Iowa, where they spent two months before Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served in the Air Force for 19 years, completing more than 22 years of honorable military service to his country.

Joe and Bev had four children: Karla Craigmile (Steve), Derek Klinkenborg (Jeannette), Joel Klinkenborg, and Lisa Corral (Chris). He has twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with a ninth on the way.

During his military career, Joe and his family lived overseas in England, Japan, and the Philippines. His service also took him to Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and Germany, as well as numerous military bases throughout the United States.

Joe’s dedication and service to his country were recognized with two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, and numerous other awards and decorations. His more than 22 years of honorable military service were a testament to his dedication, commitment, and love of country.

While serving in the military, Joe continued his education by attending night school and participating in Operation Bootstrap, allowing him to pursue and complete his college degree. In 1974, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Education from Park College in Parkville, Missouri. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Management and Counseling Services from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri in 1976. Joe held a lifetime teacher’s certificate in the State of Missouri.

Joe retired from military service on July 1, 1977 from Richards-Gebaur Air Force base in Missouri, having attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). After his military retirement, Joe briefly taught high school before turning his attention to farm management. He managed several hundred acres and was also a partner in Klinkenborg Brothers Farms in southern Iowa.

Never one to sit still for long, Joe returned to school and obtained his Missouri real estate license and broker’s license. Then in 1984, he began working for D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Funeral Homes where he spent the next 18 years. Although he eventually retired from the funeral home, he continued managing the farms he loved until the day of his death.

Joe was a lifetime member of the United States Air Force Sergeants Association, the American Association of Retired Persons and American Legion.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64133, on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 2 PM with full military honors. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the family home at 914 Kent Dr., Belton, MO 64012. In lieu of flowers, Joe’s wishes were for contributions to be made to the Disabled Veterans (DAV) or Jack Sauter Post #404, 604 E. Michigan Ave., George, IA 51237.