Earnest Alfred Klokkenga, 102, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away early Friday morning, May 22, 2020 at Pioneer Skilled Nursing Center in Marceline, Missouri.
Earnest was born January 28, 1918 in rural Logan County, Illinois to Albert H. and Mary Elizabeth (Kaesebier) Klokkenga. On February 22, 1941 in Emden, Illinois, Earnest was united in marriage to Agnes Luken who preceded him in death on July 30, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-in-law Sue Klokkenga, and nine brothers and sisters; William, Arthur, Walter, Marion, Frances, Anna, Pearl, Mary and a brother in infancy.
Earnest was an Army Veteran of World War II serving in Northern Africa, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, southern France, Rhineland, and central Europe receiving several medals.
Earnest was raised and worked on the family farm and married Agnes Luken on February 22, 1941. He entered the Army to fight in the War in 1942 and came home in 1945. Earnest and Agnes then operated a farm near Burton View, Illinois from 1946 to 1952. They then purchased a farm north of Novinger in the Chariton River bottom and they made their home there until their passing. Earnest worked as a carpenter for over twenty years and Agnes worked at the McGraw Edison factory.
Earnest is survived by five boys; Gerald (Carol) Klokkenga of East Peoria, IL, Stephen Earl Klokkenga of Greentop, MO, Merlyn (Cathy) Klokkenga of Souix Falls, South Dakota, Gregory Neil Klokkenga of Novinger, MO, and Victor Earnest Klokkenga of Roberts, WI. He is also survived by four granddaughters; Darla (Mike) Crane, Carla (Brian) Blount, Chandra (Dave) Klokkenga, and Melissa (Jeff) Beck, as well as ten great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Earna Jane Post and by his wonderful, wonderful caregiver of almost seven years Earlene Knoche (his girl). He loved her very much.
Earnest was a very active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Kirksville, MO, serving on several committees and especially loved to work with (and tease) the younger members of the congregation.
Public visitation with CDC guidelines and social distancing will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Kirksville, with Pastor Dave Lukefahr officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Greentop Cemetery in Greentop, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Travis Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.