Memorial

Franklin D. Klemetson, age 85, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at his home following an extended illness.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, July 12 at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 13 at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with military honors.  Private graveside services will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Frank was born January 25, 1934 on a farm near Ulen, Minnesota to parents Enok and Marie (Skrien) Klemetson.  After 8 years of grade school he attended Ulen High School and graduated with the class of 1952.  Frank served in the US Army Signal Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, for three years overseas and attained the rank of Sergeant.   He was honorably discharged on January 8, 1958.  Upon discharge from the service, Frank graduated with a degree in Electronics from North Dakota State College of Science in 1960.  After graduation, he went to work for Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids for and remained there for 35 1/2 years.  He was a Field Service Engineer and Aircraft Communications Systems Engineer.  He traveled extensively throughout the world as an instructor for national, international, and foreign military pilots on the use of Rockwell radio technology.  

While working in South Carolina, he married Pamela Ruth Leonard of Florence, South Carolina in 1963.  They later divorced.  With this union three children were born Darren, Paige, and Tiffany.  

He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, repairing things, working in his yard, gardening, fishing, boating, studying and researching genealogy.  He also enjoyed amateur radio after obtaining his license while in high school, and enjoyed working with electronic and electrical equipment throughout his life.  He had a passion for animals of all kinds.  He was a member of The Sons of Norway and the American Legion Post 0298.

Survivors include his children; Darren (Lisa) Klemetson, Paige (Dan Grossman) Klemetson-Grossman and Tiffany (Kris Smith) Klemetson; two granddaughters, Abigail and Emily Klemetson; a brother, Arley Klemetson.  Former wife Pamela Klemetson. He left behind his best friend “Big Ole”, his faithful cat. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Olga, Eunice, Frieda, Myron, and Henry. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to www.honorflight.org or Cedar Valley Humane Society.