Robert Paul Klenner

Bob Klenner, child of God, ended his earthly struggle with autoimmune diseases and cancer and pneumonia on February 18, 2025, at Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho, NM.

Robert Paul Klenner Jr was born in Milwaukee, WI to Robert Paul Klenner and Evelyn Viola Klenner (Johnson) on August 25, 1947. He lived with his family in Green Bay, WI, Glen Ellyn, IL, Rocky River, OH, and Ballwin, MO, where he graduated from Parkway High School in 1965.

After two years at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI, he enlisted for three years in the U. S. army, where he served in San Antonio, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, and Vietnam. After his military service he returned to MTU, where he was regent of the Theta Tau fraternity, and earned his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in 1973, and a M.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1974.

Bob was married on June 23, 1973 to Cheryl Ann Stoor at United Lutheran Church in her hometown of Crystal Falls, MI. Cheryl was his blind date for Winter Carnival 1972, arranged by her brother Kurt. Their union lasted for 51 years of shared joy and full partnership.

Bob's professional career began as a process engineer with Scott Paper Company in Everett, WA, followed by five years in Dover, DE and then a move to Marinette, WI, where Scott merged with Kimberly Clark. Bob held various positions, from process engineer to water and air regulation compliance. His working life concluded at Waussau Paper Company in Brokaw, WI as Environmental Manager from 1998-2004.

Bob's interests were eclectic, from WWII history, crossword puzzles, and politics to Hallmark movies. When he received a Lionel model train for Christmas, he became a lifelong rail fan. He liked to read about trains, ride trains, and build trains. He always enjoyed traveling, especially when it included a train adventure, such as the Copper Canyon in Mexico and Rovos Rail in South Africa. His models were often stick built, which required hours of exacting work for each car.

Bob was always a hands-on dad. He was a dream sports dad from the time his children began to play basketball, keeping stats and attending every game. If Eli were to tell a story about him, it would probably be the day his dad drove back to the store to replace his son's stolen basketball shoes in time for the game. Bob enjoyed camping with his family, which could include his imitation of the Muppet's Swedish chef. Bob also enjoyed golf, making toffee bars and Swedish potato sausage at Christmas, socializing with friends, and his favorite bourbon.

Robert is survived by his wife Cheryl Ann (Stoor), son Eli (Christine) of Los Angeles, CA, daughter Audrey (Luke) Zancanaro of Chico, CA, granddaughter Sophia Zancanaro, grandson Gavin Zancanaro; sister Sue Goodwin of Palmer, AZ; sister Kathy (Clay) Cox of Belleview, CO; brother John (Denyse) Klenner of Chattanooga, TN; sister-in-law Christine (Bruce) Epper of Mesa, AZ; brother-in-law Kurt (Beth) Stoor of Ocala, FL; brother-in-law Dean (Yvette) Stoor of Sandia Park, NM; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Robert Klenner will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM, with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: 

ASLC Capital Campaign

All Saints Lutheran Church

4800 All Saints Rd NW

Albuquerque, NM 87120

Or

American Civil Liberties Union

Mail Processing Center

PO Box 96259

Washington, D.C. 20077-7445

www.aclu.org