Herman C. Klinkner

Herman C. Klinkner, 92, a kind and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at his home in Asbury, IA surrounded by his loving family.
Herman was born on a farm in Temple Hill, IA on February 17, 1933 to Charles and Mary (Grant) Klinkner during the great depression. Herm's mother passed away when he was almost 10, and Herm and his younger brother Kenny went to an orphanage ran by the nuns, and his younger sisters, Jean and Patricia went to live with relatives. Herman did not have an easy childhood and was forced to work at an early age. Herman graduated from Loras Academy in 1951 and he met Grace Galliart that summer. They were married on June 14, 1952 where they eventually moved to Clinton and raised their six children. Herman worked hard to provide for his family and had a great work ethic.
Herman started his insurance career in 1961 with Farmers Mutual, which would eventually become American Family Insurance. With Grace by his side, he built a successful insurance agency and prided himself on excellent customer service. Herman won numerous awards, including being Iowa's First All-Star Agent, the first Iowa agent to quality for the Centurion award and the first Iowa agent to win the AFLIC award. Upon Grace's cancer diagnosis, Herman retired at the age of 62 on December 31, 1994 after 34 years of a distinguished career with American Family. Grace passed away on July 10, 1995. Herman attended Grace's class reunion that August, and reconnected with Grace's dear friend, Shirley (Kott) Droullard and they quickly fell in love. Herman and Shirley were married on June 1, 1996 and have been married for 29 years. Herman has lived a wonderful life and he was fortunate to have had two women that loved him immensely.
Herman is preceded in death by his wife Grace, three children, David Klinkner, Mary Brewer, and Sara Vicks. Sons-in-law, Don Brewer, David Byard, and Steven Kroymann; and his brother, Kenneth Klinkner.
Herman is survived by three children, Charles Klinkner (Norma) of Clinton, IA, Christine Voss (Jim) of Clinton, IA, and Angela Kroymann of Gretna, NE as well as 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Katie (John) Rolfe, and his sisters, Jean Waterman and Patricia Robson.
Herman is also survived by his loving wife, Shirley, and her four children, Sheri Leslein (Ron) of Belfry MT, Elaine Soat (Dave) of Dubuque, IA, Jack Droullard (Kim) of Epworth, IA, and Judy Boerm (Kurt) of Traer, IA as well as 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will occur at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home (3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA) on Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The next day, a visitation will be at Prince of Peace Catholic Church (1105 LaMetta Wynn Dr., Clinton, IA) on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with the service immediately following. The burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery (401 S 18th St. Clinton, IA) following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church (1780 White Street Dubuque, IA 52001) or Hospice of Dubuque (1670 John F. Kennedy Road Dubuque, IA 52002). The family is forever grateful to ALL the Hospice staff and his church family.
The World was a better place with Herman in it, and now Heaven is shining a little brighter!