Greg Francis Klinkhammer-Obituary
Greg Francis Klinkhammer was born January 27, 1954 to George and Mae (Gassman) Klinkhammer. Greg spent the first 52 years of his life in Howard, SD, where he graduated from high school, got married, raised his family, and farmed. He married Patty Calmus on September 27, 1974, and to that union they had four children; Tobin, Kain, Greg Austin, and Mandy along with twelve grandchildren. A thirteenth grandchild born 16 months after Greg's death.
Greg and Patty lived their last fifteen years in Sioux Falls where Greg worked at Sturdevant's Auto Parts until his terminal cancer diagnosis in September 2015. Greg underwent constant cancer treatments and procedures until the last few months of his life. That didn't stop him from enjoying family events, grandchildren's activities, trips, countless golf games/tournaments, and hunting.
Greg trusted in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for his salvation, had a heart for missions and was active in his church community. From serving on the board of his church for six years, going on a mission trip to Peru-where he helped rebuild a church that was destroyed by an earthquake, working as a guide for Royal Family Kid's camp for foster children, was both a member and leader of Bible study groups, and volunteering at The Banquet on numerous occasions. He was currently in his fourth year of reading the entire Bible in a year program. Throughout his cancer journey, Psalms 91 became a daily part of his life. Greg gave encouragement and support to others battling disease.
Greg was adored by his grandchildren because he was such a kid at heart. He made up games and songs that made them laugh. Greg deeply and passionately loved his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and their families as well as his in-laws and their families, and will be missed by them but will forever be in their hearts.
Sadly, Greg, 69, Sioux Falls, passed away in his home, surrounded by his family, on June 6, 2023, after a heroic seven-year, nine-month battle with cancer.
Those left to mourn his passing are his wife of almost 49 years, Patty; sons Tobin (Nancy), Sioux Falls, SD, Kain (Emily), Hot Springs, SD, Greg (Claudia), Minneapolis, MN, and daughter Mandy, Bennington, NE; grandchildren, Creighton, Felicity, Isaac, Jaidyn, Gabrielle, Rylie, Theodore, Calvin, Anna, George, Violet, and Ophelia Klinkhammer. Grandchild Lily was the only grandchild Greg never got to hold since she was born in 2024. Greg also left behind 7 brothers, Rick (Mary), Tea, SD, Terry (Donna), Jim (Kim), Lanny, Kim (Phyllis), Daron (Sharon), all of Howard, SD, and Paul (Tami), Witchita, KS; two sisters, Lynette Klinkhammer, Lewisville, TX, and Amy (Steve) Noonan, Howard, SD; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.