Robert Ben Klindworth

Robert Ben Klindworth, 86, a longtime Ellensburg resident passed away on October 15th at his home. Bob was born to Ben Klindworth and Georgia Striker Klindworth, both of Connell, Washington, on August 8th, 1937 in Pasco, Washington. He leaves behind his beloved wife Linda "Heidi" Wolf Klindworth; children Jeffrey Ben and Michael Robert, and grandchildren Samuel Ben and Julia Grace.

Bob spent his early years in Connell and graduated from Connell High School in 1955. He developed a strong interest in sports in Connell, participating in football, basketball and baseball, and he retained that passion throughout his life. He enjoyed hiking, hunting and fishing, and was active in Boy Scouts.

Bob graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in 1959, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Many life-long friends were gained while at Willamette. Post college, Bob was in the US Army reserves and had stints as an insurance underwriter and salesman in Seattle, and Fresno, California.



In 1966, Bob purchased Rodeo City Lanes in Ellensburg. He enjoyed the bowling business and was active in the state bowling proprietors association.

Bob and Heidi met in Seattle, and were married on August 12, 1967 at St. Edwards Church in Seattle. They settled in Ellensburg to raise their family, and have lived there ever since.

As a father of two boys, he became a supporter of his sons' athletic ambitions, attending most all of their athletic competitions. As a family, we attended many Seahawk, Mariner, and Sonic games over the years. As a grandfather, Bob loved every moment he spent with his two grandchildren, Sam and Julia.

Bob and Heidi enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Canada. For several years, they spent March in Phoenix, AZ enjoying the spring training games. They also traveled to Europe, and made trips to New Zealand and Australia.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Georgia Klindworth. He is also preceded in death by brothers and sisters in law Clarence Cook; Joanne Bolick, Jack Bolick, and Jim Weiss; Marv Kelso, and Pam Shawley.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Linda "Heidi" Klindworth, sons Jeffrey Klindworth, of Ellensburg, Michael Klindworth, of Edmonds, and grandchildren Samuel Klindworth and Julia Klindworth, both of Ellensburg. Bob is also survived by his brother James and sister in law Jill Klindworth of Pasco, Washingtom, and brothers and sisters in law, MaryLou Cook, Judy and Mike Hendrickson; John and Virginia Wolf, and Roy and Teresa Wolf of Lewiston; Anita Kelso of Prineville, Oregon; Janice and Doug O'Connor of Boise, Idaho; Susan and Dave Waibel of Eloy, Arizona; Tim Shawley of Clarkston, and Shari and Ken Westby of Camas, Washington. Bob really enjoyed being an uncle, watching his many nieces and nephews grow up.

Funeral Memorial Mass will be held at St. Andrews Church in Ellensburg, Washington at 1:00PM on Friday, October 20th with a reception at the church to follow. Bob will be buried at the Connell cemetery on Saturday, October 21st at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.