Lambert John Klocke, 90 of Rockwell City, passed away Friday, October 20 at home surrounded by his loving family. Lambert’s strong faith and dedication to the daily rosary were cornerstones of his life.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Rockwell City, with Fr. Lynn Bruch officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, with Military Rites by Amvets Post #41 of Rockwell City. There will be a Rosary at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Palmer & Swank Funeral Home, Rockwell City, followed by a Visitation and a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to LifeServe Blood Center.org or to the discretion of the family.
Lambert was born on August 14, 1933 to the parents of Clem and Elizabeth (Wiskus) Klocke in Dedham, Iowa, the oldest son of 16 children. He served with the U.S. Army and was
stationed at the Panama Canal from 1954-1956 during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he married Donna Mae Nollen at St. Joseph Catholic Church on August 28, 1956 in Carroll, Iowa. This union was blessed with four children: RaeLynne, RoxAnne, Michelle, and Doug.
In 1960, they purchased a farm west of Rockwell City. He grew corn and soybeans and raised cattle, hogs, and chickens selling Klocke Quality Eggs. His hard work, determination, and ambition established Klocke Farms. For the last forty years, Lambert and Donna wintered in Arizona where he stayed active playing water volleyball, calling Bingo, organizing monthly pancake breakfasts, and playing cards. Lambert was an avid hiker leading hikes twice a week, accumulating 200 to 300 miles a winter. In later years, he kept busy doing Suduko and word searches, putting puzzles together, caring for his flowers and watching Price is Right (aka Come on Down Show). He always prioritized staying active. They enjoyed camping and traveled around the U.S. and over 25 countries, including China, Italy and Israel. Lambert’s beaming smile was infectious to all people who knew him.
Lambert is survived by his wife Donna of 67 years; children RaeLynne (Jim) Roe Mesa, AZ, RoxAnne (Robert) Magaña Mesa, AZ, Michelle (David) Souder Rockwell City; and Doug (Paula) Klocke Rockwell City; six grandchildren Derek Strutzenberg, Allen (Laura) Souder, Brian Souder and fiancé Anne, Matt (Joeli) Souder, Tate (Maggie) Klocke, Natasha (Clayton) Heavlin; three great grandsons Wesston Souder, Walker Souder, and Hudson Heavlin; his brothers and sisters Jerry (Betty) Klocke, Jim(Louann) Klocke, Ronnie Klocke, Larry (Pat) Klocke, Sharon (Eldon) Wright, Wayne (Carol) Klocke, and Marlene (Jim) Wille; and several nieces and nephews.
Lambert was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Frances Whisnant, Louise Costello, LeRoy Klocke, Maxine MacFarland, Jessie Fast, Donna Lee Lowe, Lorraine Gettler, and Helen Knobbe Johnson.