Robert C. Klinkhamer

1936 - 2021

Robert C. Klinkhamer

Brookston - Robert C. Klinkhamer, 84, of Brookston, passed away at 3:27 a.m. Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Indiana Veterans Home of West Lafayette.

He was born March 18, 1936 in Lafayette, Indiana to the late Andrew and Ruth (Hartman) Klinkhamer, and was a 1954 graduate of Brookston High School. After high school, Bob helped on the family farm just west of 43 on 1250 for several years until joining the United States Army in 1959. While in the military, Bob spent part of his time stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1962.

His marriage of 57 years was to Linda Hague on December 8, 1963 at the Brookston Federated Church; she survives.

Bob laid carpet for Reifer's Furniture for 18 years until leaving in 1975 to partner with CJ Randolph to own & operate Brookston Feed Mill. In 1977, Bob started his own home construction company, K&H Builders. In the beginning, he and his good friend Al Bunch worked together as Al would pour the concrete and Bob would build the houses; eventually each became big enough that they had plenty of work on their own. A gifted carpenter, Bob was always willing to customize or build the perfect home for neighbors and friends.

Mr. Klinkhamer was a longtime member of the Brookston Federated Church and the Chalmers American Legion.

Bob was the bartender at the Top Notch in Brookston for 27 years; he always enjoyed socializing with customers and friends. One of Bob's favorite memories was the snowmobile trips up North with his close friends from Brookston and the great times they shared. Bob also enjoyed driving around town in his vintage cars, his 1970 Dodge Dart and his 1965 Chevy Corvair.

Surviving with his wife Linda, are their children, Dane Klinkhamer (wife: Jennifer) of Brookston and Lisa Schwartz (husband: Jeff) of Lafayette and a brother, Steve Klinkhamer (wife: Kathy) of Brookston. Bob loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Kala, Whitney, McKenna and Connor and his two step-grandchildren, Megan and Kayla. Also surviving are 8 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death with his parents is his sister, Marcia Morehouse.

A visitation for close friends and family will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. followed by a private family funeral at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston, Pastor David Doles and Rev. Dr Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate. For those unable to attend, the funeral services for Mr. Klinkhamer are being recorded and will be available to view shortly after the funeral by visiting https://my.gather.app/remember/robert-klinkhamer Interment to follow in the Brookston IOOF Cemetery.

In memory of Bob, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com