COLUMBUS
Harland H. Klemz, 82, of Columbus passed from this life on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at his residence.
Mr. Klemz was born on June 11, 1937 in Maple Lake, Minnesota the son of Harold and Gertrude Reick Klemz. On August 24, 1958 he married Caroline A. Praeuner in Battle Creek, Nebraska.
Mr. Klemz started out his teaching career teaching over 50 students in one class, he then went on to become a school principal, and later Director of Christian Education and a youth director.
Upon retirement he and his family went on to become missionaries and were called to Alaska where they spent the better part of 25 years. Mr. Klemz always had in his heart the love for sharing the gospel and church work. He and his wife enjoyed 61 years of church work which they did together and sharing the gospel through the photography of flowers and spiritual writings they put together in books for others to enjoy. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
He enjoyed being a pilot and flying planes, hiking, camping, woodworking, nature, music, photography of flowers, and playing the organ.
Mr. Klemz is survived by his wife of 61 years, Caroline A. Klemz of Columbus; children, Kimberly A. Blevins of Columbus and Kevan P. Klemz of Delano, Minnesota; and granddaughters, Miranda Nicole Blevins and Kaitlyn Rose Blevins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Elma Luther.
The funeral service will be on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Mark Teike officiating.
Family and friends may call for visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and also from 9:30 a.m. till time of service on Tuesday at the church.
Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Alaskan Lutheran Ministry in Copper Center, Alaska or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church “Together We Live 2.0”.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Klemz family at barkesweaverglick.com.
