Vernon Klosterboer

Vernon (Slug) Klosterboer died on September 12, 2020, at Mercy One Newton Hospital in Newton, Iowa.

 

Vernon was born January 31, 1927, in Grundy Center, Iowa, the son of Onno and Effie (Knock) Klosterboer. While in high school, his 1944 football team (16 players and one coach) went undefeated and unscored on for the entire season. At the Dickerson Relays in 1945, he set a new record in the low hurdles, and also won the high hurdles. He graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1945, and soon enlisted in the U.S. Army. After boot camp and signal corp training, he served with

the occupation forces in Japan. He was honorably discharge in 1947.

 

Vernon married Esther Buskohl January 19, 1951, in Manilla, Iowa. Vernon was confirmed into the congregation of Bethany Presbyterian Church in 1943. He was a life-long member, serving as an usher, trustee, and elder. Over the years Vernon was employed at Sharp Standard Service and Schulz Shell Service in Grundy Center, and Viking Pump in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 1958, Vernon began his career at the Grundy Center Post Office as a clerk-carrier. In 1977, he was appointed as Postmaster in Lincoln, Iowa. He retired from that position in 1989. While working in Lincoln, Vernon was a member of the Lincoln Lions Club and served as President of the Lincoln Commercial Club.

 

Vernon was a proud lifetime member of Amvet Post 17 in Grundy Center and Reinbeck Legion Post 242. He served with the Post 17 honor guard from 1955 to 2011. Vernon enjoyed gardening, woodworking, playing cards, and, above all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He always said that God blessed him with a perfect family and the privilege to live in God’s Country (Grundy Center). Vernon and Esther moved to Newton in 2013.

 

Vernon is survived by Esther, his wife of 69 years, daughter Rose Evans of Newton, son Bill (Laurie) of Lincoln, NE, and son Larry (Paula) of Newton. Grandchildren Reid (Liz) Evans, Pella, Nick Klosterboer, Honolulu, HI, Aaron Klosterboer (Shelley), Lincoln, NE, Megan (Boris) Cruickshank, Hickman, NE, Kayla (Kyle) Simpson, Newton, Whitney (Cody) Cruickshank, Lincoln, NE, and Evan (Kourtney) Klosterboer, Newton. Great-grandchildren McKenna, Parker, Graham, Royal, Dorian, Draven, Dominic, Chason, Christian, Cash, Landon, Jackson, Elise, Kayson, and Karsyn. One sister, Dorothy Westerman and one sister-in-law, Jean Klosterboer.

 

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Edward and Harlan, and one sister, Iva Dean. A private service will be held. A public service and inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials may be sent to St Luke UMC Building Fund, 501 E 19th St N, Newton , IA 50208. “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”