Gerald Klinkhammer, age 83, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at his home.

Gerald M. was born at home on October 29, 1934, the son of Jerry and Laura (Kirsch) Klinkhammer.  He grew up helping on the farm and attending country school.  As a young man, Gerald entered the United States Army in January of 1958. Later that year, Gerald was united in marriage to Theresa Klein on September 13, 1958, in Fosston, MN.  Following his honorable discharge in January of 1960, he returned to the Beaulieu, MN, area and began working at the milk plant in Fosston.  Shortly thereafter, Gerald became the owner/operator of his own milk route which he drove until retiring in 1992.  He also operated Klinkhammer Beverage for several years.  Theresa passed away in December of 1991 and Gerald remained in their home and continued to keep busy farming.  He crossed paths with an old friend, Helen Spaeth, and a renewed friendship blossomed.  Gerald and Helen shared many great years of companionship.

Gerald was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved hunting, fishing, taking 4-wheeler rides and simply being in the great outdoors.  He also enjoyed dancing, woodworking and playing cards, especially poker with his buddies.  Gerald always had a large garden with abundant produce that he shared with his daughters and many others.  He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and held memberships as a 4 ^th Degree Knight with both the Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573 and the Moorhead Council  #543.  Gerald was also a member of the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31.

Gerald is survived by two daughters, Geri (Duane) Voit of Dilworth, MN, and Sharon (Mike) Rein of Moorhead, MN; six grandchildren: Jon (Jodie), Kristin, Tyler, and Brittany Voit and Theresa and Cole Rein; three great grandchildren: Gavin, Ella and Lauren Voit; special friend and companion, Helen Spaeth of Mahnomen; three brothers: Clarence "Fritz" (Joyce) of Missoula, MT, Donald "Butch" (Joyce) of Waubun,MN, and Ray (Sandra) of Mahnomen; three sisters: Viola Hand of Fosston, MN, Cele Mazour of Mahnomen, and Lucille (Wilbur "Webb") Bjerke of Spokane, WA; and several niece and nephews.  Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Theresa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie (Anton) Straub and Lenore (Vernon) Scott; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alphonse (Rosie) and Joseph (Ann); brothers-in-law, Francis Hand and Leighton Mazour; and nephew, Rick Hand.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2018, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a prayer service and KC Rosary beginning at 6:30 pm, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 27 ^th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.