Thomas Clair Kellner

Thomas Clair Kellner, age 80 of Humboldt, formerly of Livermore, passed away April 24, 2025, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Humboldt. Mass will be live streamed via Lentz Funeral Home's website. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Livermore with Military Honors conducted by the Livermore American Legion Otto-Field Post #415. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM with a Rosary beginning at 2:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Humboldt. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Humboldt. Online condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com
Tom was born December 5, 1944, to Cyril and Adella (Hildman) Kellner at the family home in rural Bode, Iowa. He was the third of fourteen children. Tom attended St. Joseph School in St. Joe, Iowa and graduated from Garrigan High School in Algona, Iowa in 1963. He went on to earn a Diploma in Auto Mechanics from Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska.
From 1965 to 1971, Tom proudly served in the Iowa National Guard as a member of Army BTRY B 1ST BN 194 Artillery. In 1969, Tom married Joan Marie Berte in Bancroft, Iowa. Together, they had five children and built a life rooted in faith, family and hard work. Tom's greatest pride was family and farming. He was happiest behind the steering wheel of a tractor or tending to his cattle.
Tom enjoyed being a part of livestock industry and going to sale barns all across Iowa. He raised cattle, hogs and maintained a cow/calf herd. Through the years, Tom was a Field man for the Carroll Livestock Auction, and worked closely with the Dunlap Livestock Auction.
Tom had many horses over the years, but Lucky was his favorite. All of his children learned how to ride on him. At one time, he was a member of the Humboldt and Livermore Saddle Clubs and loved the time he spent with his kids at saddle club events. Tom liked sharing farm life with his kids. All of them owned rain suits and boots to bed the many A-Houses for pigs. Each spring brought the family tradition of picking up rocks in the fields. He and Joan also cherished time spent with their large families, friends and especially their Card Club of over 54 years, which was made up of lifelong childhood friends.
Tom had a special place in his heart for his children's friends, always welcoming them into the home. It wasn't unusual for Tom to find a few extra kids asleep in the basement and Tom would have a chore or two lined up for them on the farm.
Perhaps one of our favorite family memories was Christmas Eve. Every grandchild looked forward to Grandpa Tom reading Twas the Night Before Christmas. It was always a moment filled with laughter and love.
Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan, and their five children: Matthew (Nette) Kellner Livermore, Iowa; Mark (Lynn) Kellner Hardy, Iowa; Julie (Kent) Clendenen, Humboldt, Iowa; Carolyn (Joaquin) Benefiel, West Des Moines, Iowa; and John Kellner of Livermore, Iowa.
Also surviving are grandchildren Stephanie Kellner; Megan (Colby) Miller; Samantha (Cliff) McKinley; Wyatt, Whitney, and Tricia Kellner; Zach and Hailey Clendenen; Melia and Kennadie Benefiel; Johannah, Janelle, and Jacalyn Kellner. Great Grandchildren are Roman Brown; Sage, Ruger and Landry McKinley; and Nicholas Talton.
He is survived by siblings Sr. Marcine Kellner, Edward (Louise) Kellner, Marilyn Spencer, Cyrilla (Frank) Everett, Jim (Ruth) Kellner, Luke (Sharon) Kellner, Donna (Dave Salz), George (Sue) Kellner, Karla (Dan) McKibban, Marcine Schoo, and Susie (Dean) Lallier. He is survived by brothers and sister in laws Carroll Primrose, Marita Cook, Mary Berte, Phil (Patty) Berte, Debra (Al) Kahler, Linda (Keith) Meyer, Diane Munyer, Teresa (Steve) Mulligan, Ann Mulligan, Ruth (Bob) Nemmers, Carl (Jennifer) Berte, Steve (Mary Kay) Berte, Delta Berte, and Dan (Pam) Berte. His family also included 71 nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents Cyril and Adella Kellner, Glen Kellner, and Ruth Primrose. In-laws include Mother and Father In-law August and Eleanor Berte, Arnie Berte, Kenny and Mary Ellen Bergman, Edward Berte, Michael Cook, Art White and Brian Munyer.