Some people leave behind a legacy written in grand accomplishments. Others leave behind something even better-the sound of laughter in a garage, the stories told around a bonfire, a cold beer shared with a friend, and the unmistakable feeling that life was just a little more fun (and loud) when they were around.

Kenneth “Ken” Klauer, 70, of Asbury, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 16^th, 2026, at Stonehill.  Per Ken’s wishes, no services will be held. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Born on November 23, 1955, in Asbury, Iowa, to Cyril (Melvin) and Margaret (Welu) Klauer, Ken was the youngest of four children. He grew up alongside his sisters, Kay and Bette, and his brother, Melvin “Moon”, spending his younger years doing what came naturally to him— hunting, fishing, building, tinkering, and working with his hands. He excelled in shop and sheet metal courses, perhaps giving everyone an early glimpse of the man he would become.

After graduating from Hempstead High School in 1974, Ken entered the workforce with Dubuque Packing Company, Keystone Gelatin and Kretschmer-Tredway Co. doing what he did best: welding, building, fixing, and creating. He became a welder by trade and spent more than 50 years working for Dubuque Steel Products (Geisler Brothers), where he took devout pride in his craft. Ken believed a job was worth doing right, and if it wasn’t right, you simply did it again until it was. His hands were rarely still, and his work ethic was something he carried with him throughout his entire life.

On October 4th, 1986, Ken married Collene Cullen and they spent 25 years together raising three children. They later went their separate ways.

Beyond the shop and the workbench, Ken found some of his greatest happiness outdoors. He loved pheasant and duck hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with the people he loved and could share laughs with. He was a man’s man at his core; the kind of guy who could spend an afternoon working on a project in a shop, then disappear into the garage, and somehow end up with half the neighborhood stopping by for a cold one-and there was always room for one more!

Ken was notorious for making people laugh. His humor was quick, jocular, dry, and unmistakably his own. Those who knew that timeless ‘Ken Klauer sense of humor’ probably knew exactly what he was going to say before he even said it. He didn’t need a stage, a microphone, or a punchline written down. He simply had a way of turning an ordinary moment into a story people would remember!

He was the kind of man who would help a friend with a project without thinking twice, lend a hand when a friend or neighbor needed it, and leave the garage door open because there was always a chance someone might stop by. He valued hard work, friends, family, a timeless Three Stooges episode, and the simple pleasures that make a life worth living: from a faithful hunting dog to a Friday night supper club outing with Chad.

There was a little Johnny Cash in him; the kind of man that understood the value of staying steadfast, regardless of setbacks. There was a little Willie Nelson in him too: the outdoors, the open air, the back roads, and the freedom of being exactly who you were. And if you ever knew Ken well, you could probably hear a little Johnny Horton playing somewhere in the background of his stories, too.

He leaves behind more than memories, jokes, and quick wit…

He leaves behind stories that will be told for years and inside jokes that will play on repeat.

He leaves behind a garage that will never feel quite the same.

And he leaves behind an entire collection of people who can still hear his laugh, picture that grin, and already know exactly what he’d say if he were standing beside them.

So, raise a cold one for Kenny.

Tell a good story. (And probably include something smart-assy)

Go hunting.

Plant something and take pride in watching it grow.

Turn on an episode of Mr. Ed, Andy Griffith, All in The Family, or The Three Stooges.

And if the garage door is open, stop by.

Because knowing Ken, he’d probably be sitting there waiting for you anyway.

“And when I die, and when I’m gone…” – Johnny Cash

May the road ahead be peaceful, the hunting be good, the garden always grow, the game feed be plentiful, and the beer always be cold.

Survivors left to cherish Ken’s memory include his three children; Rebecca (Gregory) Kammes of Dubuque, IA, Amanda (Devin) Halstead of Surprise, AZ & Chad Klauer of Dubuque IA. His ex-wife, Collene Klauer of Dubuque. Grandchildren, Kayden & Kendall Kammes & Maren & Brynlee Halstead. His sister Kay Brimeyer of Dubuque, IA & a sister-in-law LaVon Klauer of Asbury, IA. Along with many, many close friends (kronies as Ken would say).

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Cyril & Margaret Klauer, his brother, Mel “Moon” Klauer, a sister Bette Brown & brother-in-law Ed Brown.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Asbury EMS, the ER & 5-North staff at Finley Hospital. Along with the incredible staff at Stonehill & Hospice of Dubuque for their exceptional care of Ken during his final days.