Jerome Henry Klingfus, 73, of Brookings, South Dakota, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at the Arlington Care and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born Sept. 21, 1944, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Hilda (Askelson) Klingfuss. Jerome grew up in Austin, attended Austin Public Schools, and served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. A lifetime member of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans, he made his living as a millwright and welder for Wilsons, and later as a real estate agent in Rochester, Minnesota. He married Laurel Skime in Austin on Sept. 2, 2014. Jerome enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing in his spare time. His hobby was collecting firearms. Later in life, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his friends and family, who will miss him dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Laurie Skime-Klingfus of Brookings; one son, Jeffrey (Pam) Klingfus of Prior Lake, Minnesota; one daughter, Christine (Phillip) Kruze of Grand Marais, Minnesota; stepsons, Eric Skime and Tom (Pennie) Skime of Elkton, South Dakota; eight grandchildren, Bailey, Zachary, Devin, Kodi, Hattie, Lydia, Mackenzie, and Matthew; his brother, Darrel (Nancy) Klingfuss of Northwood, Iowa; his sister-in-law, Elfie Klingfus of Austin; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Jerome was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, George Klingfus; and his sister, Bonnie Anderley.

Following services in South Dakota, a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 91. Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m., immediately preceding the service at Worlein Funeral Home. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Pipestone, Minnesota. Memorials can be directed to the Fisher House Foundation at 111 Rockville Pike #420, Rockville, MD 20850, Free Urns for Veterans at Post Office Box 689, Anoka, Minnesota 55303, or to a recipient of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.