Johnny Klingenberg

Johnny Klingenberg, age 86, passed away on December 25th at his home in Jamestown, North Dakota, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Johnny was born on August 7, 1924 in Bottineau, North Dakota, the son of John and Anna (Larson) Klingenberg. He graduated from Bottineau High School in 1941. He served in the United States Army in the European Theater of Operations during WWII as a member of the 106th Infantry. He married Martha Vaden on September 2, 1947 in Clarksville, Tennessee. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Dakota in June 1951, and passed the examinations to become a Registered Professional Engineer in 1955.

Johnny and his family moved to Jamestown in 1957. He was a founding partner and President of North Central Consultants, Architects and Engineers, until he retired in1988. He later joined the Construction Management Team during construction of the Denver International Airport. He inherited a love for flying from his uncle Pete and was a licensed pilot for many years. He was also a partner in Comet Aviation, which provided student instruction, charter services, aircraft rental, and engine and airframe maintenance.

He was a past board member of First Federal Savings Bank, Jamestown, ND and of Metropolitan Savings Bank, Fargo and Jamestown, ND. He was a past president of the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Lutheran Church Council, and the Jamestown Lions Club. He was also a past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the El Zagel Clowns and the Elks. In addition, he was a charter member and past president of the North Dakota Consulting Engineers Council, and a member and past director of the American Consulting Engineers Council. Johnny served on the Jamestown Airport Authority Board of Directors for 15 years, many of which he served as Chairman. He was instrumental in getting the Jamestown Airport designated as a Regional Airport and recently spearheaded the drive to construct a new passenger terminal.

Johnny was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by Martha, his wife of 63 years; daughters Janet (John) Edwards, Honolulu, HI; Lynne Tally, Jamestown, ND; Susan Brown (Antonio Hodge), Denver, CO; Sandra (Eli) Owens, Westminster, CO; and son, Brian, Roseville, MN; grandchildren, Bryna Tally, Kate Tally-Moroz (Serghei), Noel Klingenberg and Anna Marie Brown; sisters Carol Kavli of Grand Forks, ND, Ann Lervik of Helena, MT and Elgie (Donovan) Vinje of Underwood, ND, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Noel and a sister, Judith Sandbek.

The family prefers memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown Hospital Hospice, or Safe Shelter.

Memorial Service: 2:00p.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown.

Prayer Service: 7:00p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown.

Masonic Prayer Service: 6:30p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown.

Burial: will take place at a later date in Mangers Cemetery, Bottineau, ND.