Harry A. Kliethermes, 94, Linn, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City.
He was born on June 30, 1931, to the late Paul and Elizabeth (Dudenhoeffer) Kliethermes in Bonnots Mill.
He attended school at Cadet Creek.
Harry proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.
He was united in marriage to Bernice Schaefer on Oct. 8, 1955, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek. Bernice preceded him in death on March 21, 2025.
Harry was a well-known master craftsman, having taught himself construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades. He founded Kliethermes Construction, where he passed down his learned trades to all his sons, who today are proficient in these skills. Harry built or remodeled hundreds of homes in the area in his lifetime. He instilled discipline, precision, and an exceptional work ethic in his eleven children.
Harry was a devoted member of St. George Catholic Church in Linn where he served on the parish council and the cemetery committee.
One of his true passions was farming. He raised cattle and provided beef for his family for many years. When he wasn’t working or farming, he could be found watching or listening to his favorite team-the St. Louis Cardinals!
During his life, Harry liked to tell “Dad Jokes” and acquired several nicknames along the way: “HAK” or “Clem Kadiddlehopper” to name a couple. He also taught himself to play the guitar and fiddle as a young man.
Harry and Bernice were especially fond of dancing, often at places where their daughter, Sharon, played and sang in a band. This explains why they first met at a VFW dance!
Harry and Bernice also enjoyed taking trips and traveling to places such as Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and numerous other states where family and friends lived.
Harry was preceded in death by wife of 69 years, Bernice; parents, Paul and Elizabeth; brothers, Clifford and Oscar Kliethermes; and sisters, Elsie LeCure, Alvina Jaegers, Lorraine Heet and Shirley Prenger.
He is survived by children, Deborah Kliethermes of Camano Island, Wash., Sharon Loesch, Rodney Kliethermes and wife Bonnie, Dale Kliethermes and wife Mary Ruth, Patrick Kliethermes and wife Tammy Curtis Kliethermes and wife Michelle and Terry Kliethermes and friend Rhonda Elliott, all of Linn, Ken Kliethermes and wife Leslie of Keller, Texas, Dewayne Kliethermes and wife Kana of Overland Park, Kan., Annette (Kliethermes) Patterson of Jefferson City and Tammy Rew and husband Jason of Lee’s Summit; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Edgar Kliethermes of Bonnots Mill; sister, Dorothy Thessen of Jefferson City; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn, with Rev. Colin Franklin officiating.
Interment with Full Military Honors was in St. George Parish Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the family, to Wounded Warriors Project or the D.A.V.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
