Ferdinand Richard (Dick) Klenzman age 86 of Fairbank passed away, Wednesday June 5th, 2024 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital as a result of a sudden heart attack with his family by his side.

He was born February 5th, 1938 in Waterloo the son of Ferdinand Alfred (Ferdy) and Agnes Dorthea (Muller) Klenzman.  
Dick graduated from Tripoli High School in 1956. Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, known as the Navy Seabees.

After the completion of his military service, Dick was United in marriage with Patty (Wittenburg) on Feb. 1, 1959. Klinger, IA They built their home outside of Fairbank, and to this union, 4 children were born.

In civilian life, Dick put the construction and engineering skills he had learned in the Navy to work. His discipline, along with his skilled work, took him to John Deere, where he worked for 45 years at the Product Engineering Center in Cedar Falls, as a Master Pattern Maker.

His love for the work and John Deere stayed with him in his retirement years, where he found great pride and joy in being a tour guide for John Deere Engine Works in Waterloo.

In his personal life, Dick was a hard-working family man, who cherished his blessings, leaned on his faith, and respected his family roots. Family came first for Dick. In his dignified and unassuming way, he was a loving husband to his wife, a role model for his children and a doting grandpa to his grandkids. He loved attending his children and his grandchildren’s school events.

Dick was humble but had plenty of wisdom to share with friends and family. He was as gifted with words as he was skilled with his hands.  He was a natural storyteller, and everyone enjoyed listening to his stories. Some of his memorable gems have served as guideposts for those willing to listen. He often quipped: “You don’t have to tell everything you know and sometimes, the best thing is to keep your opinion and thoughts to yourself.” Another worthy piece of advice, which brought smiles to all who had heard it, goes like this: “Amaze them with your knowledge and baffle them with your bullshit.”

That’s how he went through life, living it to the fullest, making the most of every day, amazing the world with his knowledge. 

He was proud of his German heritage and the Klenzman generational name, Ferdinand. He enjoyed Polka music which he referred to as “happy music.” An avid Hawkeye fan, he loved working on his 40-acre hobby farm. He was everyone’s fishing buddy and a master woodcraftsman.

Above all, Dick was a man of substance, gifted with many talents. He was the captain of his own ship.

Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years: Patricia ( Wittenburg) Klenzman; one son, Ferdinand (Mike) Klenzman; and three daughters, Michelle (Mike) Weepie, Melaine (Tom) Buzynski, and Melissa Klenzman, all of Fairbank. Sister Elaine (Ken) Jacobsen of Gold Canyon, Arizona.

His memory will be cherished also by his grandchildren

Christoper Weepie, Trisha (Chad) Brown, Jennifer (Shawn ) Davis, Nick( Chelsey) Weepie,

Cortney (Lucas) Matthias, Brock (Courtney) Buzynski,

Tyler (Meg) Klenzman, and MeKyley Klenzman. He was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Karlyn Armstrong.

Funeral Service: 4:00 pm Monday June 10th at Woods Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Dick’s life at the Fairbank Legion Hall from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Memorials to be directed to the family for later designation.