Stephen L. Klinghammer

Stephen L. Klinghammer, 81, of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Reinbeck under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Born on May 10, 1944, in Manchester, Iowa, to George and Janet (Hillier) Klinghammer, Stephen grew up attending grade school in Quasqueton. He completed most of his high school at East Buchanan before moving to Waterloo for his senior year, graduating from East High in 1963. He spent his adult life in Waterloo, where he worked at the John Deere Foundry for 27 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1999. In 2000, he met Marilyn Kay (Brown) Dolf while riding horses and enjoying trail rides with friends. They married on February 16, 2002, and made their home in Reinbeck.

Stephen found deep joy in the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, taking nature walks, traveling, playing cards, or grilling for family and friends. He cherished time spent with people and remained actively involved in his church, participating in a mission trip with the youth group, serving on the Interchurch Council, and helping with the CROP Walk and the live nativity scenes for Reinbeck’s Miracle on Main. He was also a longtime member of the Reinbeck Lions Club and the Grundy County Gideon, and he gave generously of his time as a volunteer at Westview and Parkview Manor.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Marilyn Klinghammer of Reinbeck; sons LeRoy Klinghammer of Texas and Kris Klinghammer (Laurie Wyman) of Elk Horn; stepchildren Ron Herrmann of Waterloo, Jana Herrmann of West Branch, Renee Meade of North Liberty, and Jason (Heather) Dolf of Raymond; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; his sister, Karen Klinghammer of Marion; and his lifelong friend, who was like a brother, Lowell (Joyce) Dauenbaugh. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and infant grandson Benjamin Jacob Klinghammer.