John Kleinschmidt

Ames

John F. Kleinschmidt, 88, of Ames, died Friday, January 2, 2015 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, after battling cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 16, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames. Cremation will follow the Mass and burial will be at a later date.

John was born August 28, 1926, in Sauk Centre, MN, to John and Frances (Hellman) Kleinschmidt. He married Doris Boros July 11, 1953, in Little Falls, MN.

He is survived by two sons, John (Stella), Fort Atkinson, WI., and Jim, Madrid; three daughters, Mary (Fred) Spuzello, West Des Moines, Carol (Bob) Zimmerman, Des Moines, and Judy Kleinschmidt (Rodrigo Formas), Bettendorf; seven grandchildren, Tony Spuzello, Ankeny, Tanner Spuzello, West Des Moines, Theresa (Jordan) Agey, Ankeny, John W. Kleinschmidt, New Haven, CT, Seth Kleinschmidt, Milwaukee, WI, Hannah Zimmerman, Des Moines, Gabriel Formas, Bettendorf; and numerous relatives from the Boros and Kleinschmidt families.

John lived a full life hallmarked by hard work, faith, family, friends, love of country, and the importance of community service. John worked for J.C. Penney Co. for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1986 as Manager of the Ames, IA, J.C. Penney store. He was active in the parishes of every community into which the family moved. John and Doris faithfully cared for their son Jim for 22 years after he was seriously injured in an accident in 1985. John found his connections with friends and relatives important and regularly met with various groups to socialize and enjoy spirited discussions. John was proud of his country, his service to it in the Army Air Corps, and was deeply thankful to those who sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms. John was devoted to numerous formal organizations: Rotary International, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, and Knights of Columbus. He also helped people learning conversational English, and built countless woodworking projects for St. Cecilia Parish and School. John enjoyed life-long learning and cultural opportunities at I.S.U. and was a Cyclone sports enthusiast, especially football, men's basketball and women's volleyball. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed gardening, writing, and reading. John thought of himself as "just an ordinary guy," but he was extraordinary in his ability to do what needed to be done. He was also known for his methodical planning, practicality, humor and courage in the face of daunting challenges.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; parents, John and Frances; and brothers, Msgr. Anthony and Walter.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 15, at St. Cecilia Church, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 16, at St. Cecilia Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., with a lunch to follow.

Adams Funeral Home in Ames is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and photos may be shared and designated memorials viewed at www.adamssoderstrum.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Jan. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kleinschmidt

1 Entry

Betty Baudler Horras

January 16, 2015

John was one of the most special people
in Ames and in so many ways--an incredible man and citizen. I am blessed to have known him.

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