David L. Klang

David L. Klang, 77, of Clear Lake, passed away at home, in his sleep in the early morning hours of Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at Clear Lake Open Bible Church, 509 South 17th Street, Clear Lake, with Reverend Dan Carlson officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 15, from 5-7 p.m., at Clear Lake Open Bible Church. Memorials may be directed to Hanford Community Church, 12411 Spruce Avenue, Mason City, Iowa 50401.

Dave was born on Oct. 31,1946, in Mason City, Iowa, the oldest child of Delores Jean Klang and Merlin Donald Klang. He grew up in rural Fertile and during his school years attended Clear Lake Community schools. During his school years he gained two loving sisters, Jo Ann and Paula. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in the spring of 1965. While attending high school, Dave worked as a farm hand for Ray and Marlys Christianson in rural Ventura. During his sophomore year of high school, Ray and Marlys’s daughter, Sandy, invited her friend, Vicky Steenhard, over for a sleepover. This is where a lifetime of love began. Dave and Vicky were married Oct. 16, 1965 in Meservey, Iowa. Their first home was in Forest City where Dave worked at the Red Owl Grocery Store. While living in Forest City they were blessed with their first daughter, Lorie Lee.

Dave and Vicky eventually moved to Division Street in Garner, Iowa where Dave worked at the Garner Elevator. They moved north of Garner where Dave began farming grain and raised livestock. It was during this time that they were blessed with their second daughter, KarrieJo, and then their third daughter, Kristie Sue. Dave also worked at other area grain elevators in his lifetime and at Wellborne Industries in Mason City.

The family eventually moved to a farm in rural Sheffield.

Dave continued to raise a few hogs for a while but mostly continued grain farming. In the early 80’s they moved to an acreage in rural Rockwell where Dave farmed and attended night school studying to become an electrician. Soon after he started his own electrical business, New Light Electric. In February 1983 Dave and Vicky decided to stop farming and have a farm sale. They moved the family into town where he continued his electrical business. New Light Electric thrived as Dave did wiring and electrical work across the North Iowa area.

In 1995 Dave and Vicky bought Knorr Electric from Joyce and Virgil Knorr. They grew the business and added North Iowa Water Company as an additional component to Knorr Electric. During this time of Dave’s life, he served on the Iowa Water Well Association (IWWA) Board of Directors for seven years and as chair of the education committee. In the spring of 2007 Dave was elected as president of IWWA. Knorr Electric and North Iowa Water Company continue to serve North Iowa customers for more than 25 years.

Over those years Dave and Vicky’s family grew, adding 11 grandchildren, then eight great-grandchildren. Their home was the hub of many memories and family gatherings.

Together they were a living example to all of how important giving your heart and life to Jesus, trusting in and living your life for him is our divine purpose.

In October 2019, Vicky, the love of Dave’s life, passed away. He was devastated and heartbroken, but knew Vicky was with Jesus and although he missed her tremendously, he looked forward to the day he too would meet Jesus face-to-face.

Dave retired in 2020 and passed the family business onto his daughter and son-in-law, KarrieJo & Mark Vanderploeg.

Dave’s most cherished time of day was his early morning coffee time with Jesus, reading, praying and worshiping his Savior.

Very important to Dave was his close brotherly friendship with Ray Faust. They attended events, Bible studies, prayer meetings and even took a few road trips together. They were both widowed brothers in Christ.

Often Dave could be found tinkering in his garage working on various wood creations to include his highly sought after specially designed pens, as well as, his handmade gifts for family and friends.

Dave’s girls will forever hear their father’s words: “Don’t force it!,” “You can choose your actions but you cannot choose your consequences,” and his frequent reminder that you should never, ever yank an electrical cord from the wall! His laughter, humor and love for Jesus will always be cherished.

Dave’s daughters will tell you he liked to do things his own way and his passing was as he would have wanted. The timing a surprise to all, but as he had asked God to eventually take him in his sleep was an answered prayer.

Dave was a longtime member of Hanford Community Church, where he was known for his immense love for Jesus. In his lifetime he also did lay pastoring from time to time at various Iowa churches.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Lorie Smith, Karrie Jo (Mark) VanderPloeg, and Kristie (Chad) Bull; grandchildren, Al Smith, Lauren (Vince) Battistoni, Rachael Smith, James Smith, Elizabeth, Alex (Tori), Emily, Mikayla, and Kaitlyn VanderPloeg, Tyler Bull and Brianna Bull; great-grandchildren, Lana, Emric, Rowan, Ava, Aubrey, Alijah, Asher and Esther (Evie); Mother, Delores Klang; sisters, Jo Ann Himschoot and Paula (Greg) Schoneman; sister-in-law, Deb (Tom) Weaver; brother-in-law, Gary (Darla) Steenhard; his very dear and best friend, Ray Faust; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and loved ones.

Preceding him in death are his beloved wife, Vicky; father, Merlin D. Klang; and Vicky’s parents, George and Merle Steenhard.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.