Wayne Klinkhammer

1931 - 2025

Owatonna - Wayne Klinkhammer passed away on Friday August 22, 2025, at Prairie Cottages in Owatonna, MN.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Brick- Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd, Owatonna). Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the memorial service at the funeral home starting at 10:00 AM.

Wayne was born in Oakes, ND, in 1931. He grew up in Cogswell, ND, and graduated from Forman High School in 1948. He attended Ellendale College briefly before returning home after his mother's untimely passing in 1949.

After returning to help on his family farm, Wayne moved to Owatonna to work for his uncle George Kummeth at his manufacturing plant. Wayne met and married Vickie Horak and together they had five children. They later divorced.

Wayne proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard for more than 25 years, rising to the rank of Company Commander. In 1967, he left Kummeth Manufacturing and began a nearly 50-year career in real estate, eventually founding Coldwell Banker Klinkhammer Real Estate. He served as President of the Steele County Board of Realtors and as Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Minnesota Association of Realtors.

Wayne's deep commitment to public service shaped much of his life. He served on both the Owatonna Planning Commission and the Owatonna Park Board, and was a Director for the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce. He was also a charter member and Past President of the Owatonna Ambassadors.

Wayne played an active role in the Exchange Club at every level. Locally, he served as President, Director, and Secretary, and played a key role in establishing the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Steele County. He later became Midwest District President and went on to serve on the National Exchange Club Board of Directors.

In 1988, Wayne was elected Mayor of Owatonna, serving for eight years. He was also a Charter Board Member and Past President of the Little Theatre of Owatonna. His leadership and fundraising efforts contributed significantly to the creation of the Owatonna Hospice House, which provided valuable end-of-life care to the community.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Myrtle Klinkhammer, his wife Doris, his daughter Pam, his son-in-law Randy Podein, sisters Mildred Wilberts, Jean Lindberg, and Emily Neilsen; and infant granddaughter Stacy Anne.

He is survived by his children David (Susie) Klinkhammer, Dale (Joanne) Klinkhammer, Barb Podein, and Julie Reiland (Daisy); stepson Larry Edwards; step-granddaughter Sara Edwards; brothers Dan and David Klinkhammer; 13 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

May Wayne's memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com