Orlin L. Klinkefus

Orlin L. Klinkefus

Marshalltown

Orlin L. Klinkefus, 85, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, on Sept. 3, 2023.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 14, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Marshalltown, with a time to visit beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery, followed by a time for fellowship at the church.

Born in Denver, Colo., he grew up in southwest Iowa, followed by several years in Boone. After he met his wife Sally during college, they raised their family in Marshalltown as Orlin worked for over 30 years at Fisher Controls Company (Emerson).

Orlin was one of the founders of the Emergency Food Box and worked with Sally (a teacher of English as a Second Language) and their church in sponsoring many immigrant families as they built new lives. He also served as board president of the Central Iowa Art Association. After becoming a Master Gardener, he loved sharing his expertise about plants with children as he judged county fairs. One of his most notable endeavors was hand digging a finished basement beneath the house.

Orlin especially enjoyed traveling, adventure and staying active. He had passion for art, and with Sally’s help he presented his works in galleries and exhibitions. Their many travels led to art workshops and artist-in-residence experiences as well as travel abroad for inspiration. In order to be closer to family, in 2022 Orlin and Sally moved into an assisted living facility in Cedar Rapids, where they began to develop many new friendships.

Orlin is survived by his wife, Sally; his siblings, Karen (Lawrence) and Quentin (Florence); children, Beth (Tom) and Jon (Karen); grandchildren, Joseph, Anne and Jillian; and five nieces and nephews.

Orlin was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Selma; his brother, Mike; and his granddaughter, Katherine.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to be directed to the Emergency Food Box of Marshall County or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Marshalltown, Iowa. Donations of canned/dry goods for the Food Box may be dropped at the church before the service.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Orlin and his family. For additional information or online condolences or memories, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. (641) 844-1234.