Carol Ann Klinkhammer, age 81, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Thursday September 24, 2026, peacefully at Ennoble Manor Care Center, after a brief illness under hospice care.

Carol was born April 17, 1945, in East Dubuque, IL, the daughter of Raymond and Marcella (Opgenhaffen) Hoftender. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School. Carol was united in marriage to Donald J. Klinkhammer on August 5, 1967, at St Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.  She really enjoyed traveling, her cats, playing cards, and her bible study group. She was also a tireless volunteer, supporter, and fan of The Colts Drum and Bugle Corps.

Carol is survived by her sons, David (Karen) Klinkhammer of Dubuque and John (Jeremy Minano) Klinkhammer of Chicago.

Stepchildren: Don (Judy) Klinkhammer of Clinton, Steve (Karen) Klinkhammer of Asbury, Dale (Kim) Klinkhammer of Des Moines, Ken (Kris) Klinkhammer of Durango, Mary Plein and step daughter in law Vickie (Reisen) Klinkhammer, both of Dubuque;

Grandchildren: Eric (Melissa) Klinkhammer of Clinton, Steve (Kristi) Klinkhammer of Clinton, Bridget (Paul) Bartlett, Mara (Kate) Klinkhammer of Marion, Andrew (Bob Bucko) Klinkhammer, Erin (Tom) Weaver of Des Moines, Nick Klinkhammer of Des Moines, Kristen Klinkhammer of Des Moines, Kaila Klinkhammer of Dubuque, Kendra (Mark) Reittinger of Durango, Megan (Mike) Peiffer of Dubuque, and  Christopher Plein of Dubuque. Step grandchild: Emily Martin of Des Moines.

20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Sister-in-law Freddie Hoftender and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her two brothers Kenneth Hoftender, Dorrance Hoftender, stepson Mark Klinkhammer, stepson in law Michael Plein and granddaughter Elizabeth Klinkhammer.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Monday September 28, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home East Dubuque, IL.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday September 29th at 10:00 a.m. at Regina Caeli Chapel-Mt. Calvary Cemetery, with Deacon John Stierman officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Ennoble Manor for the special care they provided to Carol.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©