William Edward Klenke , 98, formerly of Larwill, passed away at 11:21 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Miller's Assisted Living at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.

Born January 3, 1928, in Allen County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Harry and Sinah Marie (Boyer) Klenke.  Growing up in Aboite Twp., Allen County, he completed Lafayette Center Elementary School and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1946.

On April 17, 1948, he married Bonita J. Rhodes.  They made their home in Allen County, raising six children.  After retiring, the couple moved to a rural homestead near Larwill.  Bonita died on January 12, 2020.

For over 36 years, Bill worked for Sears in Fort Wayne in their service department, eventually becoming the service technicians' supervisor.  He retired in March of 1990.

A farmer at heart, he enjoyed the outdoors, transforming his country property into a nature preserve and restoring the wetlands.  He lived like he was 19 years old until his first daughter reached that age, and then he became 39 forever.  Mechanically minded, he liked tinkering with something mechanical and loved the sound of a well-tuned small engine.  He was always careful to save the parts of any project, because you never know when you might need them.

A loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather, family was always his priority.  In his retirement, he made wooden toys that he sold at the local farmers' market and gave to his grandkids and great-grandkids.  He made birdhouses, many of which are located throughout his property and throughout the state.  Involved in the community, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, was a member of the Larwill Lions Club, served as Treasurer for the Larwill community, attended the area fish fries, and the Community One events in nearby South Whitley.

He is survived by three daughters, Charlotte R. Dick, and Della M. (Terry) Gose, both of LaGrange, and Kathleen Joyce Klenke, Columbia City; two sons, Keith W. (Linda) Klenke, New Haven, and Douglas W. (Pam) Klenke, Holmen, WI., 11 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Also preceding him in death are sons, William Klenke, Jr., and Stuart A. Klenke; and a sister, Nina Pauline Couch.

The funeral service is at 12 noon on Monday (Feb 2nd) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. Burial is at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Bill's honor are to the Richland Twp., Volunteer Fire Department.