Robert John "Robbie" Kleffner Jr.

Robert "Robbie" John Kleffner Jr., 56 of Spalding, NE passed away October 11, 2025, at his home in Spalding, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Spalding, NE with Rev. Lawrence Vadakkan officiating. Burial will be at the parish cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the American Legion Post #299 of Spalding, NE. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the church with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert "Robbie" John Kleffner Jr., son of Robert John and Connie Jane (Weltruski) Kleffner, was born on November 13, 1968, in Spalding, Nebraska. He attended Spalding Academy, then graduated from Spalding High School with the Class of 1987. While in high school, Robbie enlisted in the Army National Guard. Following graduation, he began his basic training. Robbie continued his education at Central Community College in Hastings, Nebraska, where he earned a degree in Mechanics and made the Dean's List, an achievement he was proud of.

Robbie worked for his father at the family-owned Kleffner Body Shop in Spalding, where he spent countless hours doing what he loved most, painting and restoring vehicles. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and was known for his careful attention to detail. After his father passed away, Robbie continued to keep the family body shop running, honoring both his father's memory and the hard work that built it. The shop was his happy place, full of tools, classic cars, good music, and maybe a cold drink or two.

Robbie met Rachel Klinghoefer Haas, and from this relationship, his son Jesse was born. Robbie later spent many years of his life with his wife, Lisa Dutcher, and to this relationship, Cole and Shayla were born. He also gained two stepchildren, Anthony and Jordyn.

A simple man with a big heart, Robbie loved the small joys in life, cooking a good meal, perfecting a grilled steak, casting a line while fishing, or spending time with family. He was a huge fan of classic rock, Harley-Davidsons, and anything with an engine that roared. He loved his family deeply, especially time spent with his uncles and brothers, where laughter and storytelling were always part of the day.

Robbie was also devoted to his community. He proudly served in the National Guard and volunteered for many years with the Spalding Volunteer Fire Department. He was a longtime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding, Nebraska, where his faith guided him throughout his life.

He had a love for antiques, animals, and local history. Anyone who knew Robbie could tell you about his fondness for Coke and Mountain Dew, his Marlboro Reds, and his favorite drink a Crown Royal and Coke. He had a sense of humor that could make anyone laugh and a personality that made people feel welcome wherever he went.

Robbie leaves behind his three children: Jesse Kleffner of Florida; Cole Kleffner of Grand Island, NE; and Shayla Kleffner of Grand Island, NE; his mother, Connie of Spalding, NE; brothers, Steve of Spalding and Chris of Columbus, NE; niece, Keira Kleffner of Columbus, NE; stepchildren, Anthony (Kayla) Steenson of Kearney, NE, and Jordyn Steenson Grand Island, NE; aunts, Pauline (Jerry) Dunfee, Priscilla (George Rojas) Weltruski, JoAnn Fisher, Laurie (Gill) Larsen, Connie Kleffner, and Jo Weltruski; uncle Joe Kleffner; along with many cousins, other relatives, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert (Bob) Kleffner; wife Lisa Dutcher; grandparents, James and Esther Kleffner and Joseph and Jane Weltruski; uncles, James Kleffner Jr., Richard Kleffner, Ron Weltruski, Joe Weltruski, and Dave Wverka; niece, Mariah Kleffner; and cousin, Brian Slocum.