Harry Arthur Kliethermes

Harry A. Kliethermes, age 94, of Linn, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City.

Harry was born on June 30, 1931, in Bonnots Mill, a son to the late Paul and Elizabeth (Dudenhoeffer) Kliethermes.

Harry attended school at Cadet Creek. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

On October 8, 1955, Harry was united in marriage to Bernice Schaefer 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. He was a devoted member of St. George Catholic Church in Linn where he served on the parish council and the cemetery committee.

One of Harry’s 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 where their daughter, Sharon, played and sang in a band. They met at a VFW dance! Harry and Bernice traveled to Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous other states where family and friends lived.

Harry is survived by his eleven children: Deborah Kliethermes of Camano Island, WA., Sharon Loesch of Linn, Rodney (Bonnie) Kliethermes of Linn, Dale (Mary Ruth) Kliethermes of Linn, Patrick (Tammy) Kliethermes of Linn, Curtis (Michelle) Kliethermes of Linn, Ken (Leslie) Kliethermes of Keller, TX., Dewayne (Kana) Kliethermes of Overland Park, KS., Annette (Kliethermes) Patterson of Jefferson City, Terry Kliethermes and friend Rhonda Elliott of Linn, and Tammy (Jason) Rew of Lee’s Summit; eighteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Edgar Kliethermes of Bonnots Mill; one sister, Dorothy Thessen of Jefferson City; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents and spouse of 69 years, Harry was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifford and Oscar Kliethermes, and four sisters, Elsie LeCure, Alvina Jaegers, Lorraine Heet, and Shirley Prenger.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. George Catholic Church with Rev. Colin Franklin as the Celebrant.  Interment with Full Military Honors will be held in St. George Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family, to Wounded Warriors Project or the D.A.V.