Watch Butch's Mass of Christian Burial

Donald "Butch" Klinkhammer, age 83, of Waubun, MN, died on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Sunny Side Care Center in Lake Park, MN, surrounded by his family.

Donald was born October 1, 1940, in Fosston, MN, the son of Jerry and Laura (Kirsch) Klinkhammer.  He grew up on a family farm where he was 1 of 11 siblings. He attended school in Mahnomen, MN, and graduated with the Class of 1959.  On the farm, and throughout his school years he was able to form and grow a relationship with the love of his life, Joyce Miller.  On October 14, 1961, Butch was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joyce Miller at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN.  The couple made their home in Waubun and were blessed with one daughter, Brenda.  Over the years, Butch worked a various number of jobs including farming, operating and owning a milk truck. He was most proud to own and operate his own road grader.  After 20 years of working for Thorson Construction out of Bemidji, he retired in 2002.  Butch enjoyed many years of retirement watching westerns, drinking Diet Mountain Dew, completing various part runs for his son in law, and spending quality time with family. Joyce and Butch moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, in 2020 and had recently moved to Sunny Side Care Center this past Spring.

Butch was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. He was a very devoted catholic who would wake up at 6am every morning in order to pray the rosary.  Butch was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council as a 4th Degree Knight, Mahnomen Rod and Gun Club, MN Deer Hunters Association and the local 49ers Union.

Whether it was fishing or hunting, Butch truly loved the outdoors and would always shoot at least one deer every season to be able to make the infamous Klinkhammer venison sausage. One of his fondest memories was taking his grandson hunting for the first time where Alex shot and killed 3 bucks opening morning. He had many hobbies that kept him busy like woodworking, playing cards, singing, dancing and napping.  Every day consisted of two phone calls to Brenda, one at 8:30 am and one at 7:00 pm, many times neither of them knew anything, but he still always checked in. Above all, the best times were the ones spent with family.  He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He treasured every visit with them and all the visits ended with one of his great, big hugs.  Although his passing will leave a void, he will live on in the hearts of his family and friends for years to come.

Butch is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce, of Lake Park; daughter, Brenda (Poul) Sorensen of Mahnomen; grandchildren: Monica (Josh) Kemper of Detroit Lakes, MN, Anita (Ryan) Bendickson of Lake Park, and Alex also of Mahnomen; six great grandchildren: Natalie, Owen, Morgan, Kristian, Evelyn and Lincoln; two brothers,  Clarence "Fritz" of Missoula, MT, and Ray (Sandra) of Mahnomen; two sisters, Cele Mazour of Mahnomen, and Lucille (Wilbur "Web") Bjerke of Spokane, WA; numerous nieces, nephews and additional family of Joyce's.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Alphonse (Rosie), Joseph (Ann) and Gerald (Theresa); sisters and brothers-in-law, Viola (Francis) Hand, Marie (Anton) Straub, Lenore (Vernon) Scott; brother-in-law, Leighton Mazour; nephews: Rick Hand, Paul Hand and Larry Scott; niece, Sharon Rein and his in-laws, Florence and Ervin Miller.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the team members of Sunnyside Care Center and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the care they provided Butch throughout the last few months. The compassion, love, and respect you provided Butch will not be forgotten.

Blessed be the memory of Donald "Butch" Klinkhammer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen with a Prayer Service & Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm.  Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.