Arthur Klingenberg

Arthur “Art” Klingenberg, age 88, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, WI.

Art was born on October 22, 1937, in Jump River, WI and was in an orphanage until he joined the family of Erma and Lloyd Benson. He grew up on a farm in Albertville and attended school in Chippewa Falls.

He met his one true love, Karen K. Turner, at the County Fair in 1958. After a 2-year courtship, the two were married on September 16, 1961 and tried to settle down, however, he was drafted to the U.S. Army and the Berlin Crisis delayed their plans. They eventually created a home and family in Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa with children: Theresa, Katrina, Christopher and Nicole Art was a proud and devoted grandfather and loved his seven grandchildren with all his heart.

Art and Karen contacted the local High School about temporarily hosting a foreign exchange student for one semester. The next year there were two foreign exchange students. And the next, two more... and another two. This cycle continued on and off over the course of 35 years until Art and Karen had added 17 international children to their family. He worked at John Deere as a machinist until his retirement in 1991. The family moved back to the area in 1992 and he continued working for Circle M Nursery and Lueck Landscaping.

Art was committed to a life of service to others by working at Starting Points, Harmony House, and Chippewa County Housing Authority. In his “spare time” Art was active at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer, he was on the Village Board of New Auburn, volunteered for over 30 years at the YMCA, and also at the Bloomer Community Clothes Closet and delivered meals on wheels. He was the lending hand, the listening ear, or just the quiet presence in someone’s time of need.

Art is survived by his children: Katrina (Rob) Klingenberg of Eau Claire, Christopher (Jeralyn) Klingenberg of Lincoln NE, Nicole Klingenberg of Eau Claire WI, and Beth Bremer of Janesville, IA; grandchildren: Austin (Erin), Caleb, Louis, Madison, Jackson, Jalen, Dominique and Stephanie; three brothers: Everette (Donna) Benson, Lyman (Arleen) Benson and Lynn (Carlotta) Benson, sister: Christie (Mike) Ness; son-in-law: Tim Rask; and 2 beloved cats: Mike and Max; numerous nieces nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Karen Klingenberg; and daughter: Theresa Klingenberg.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at the Turner Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the New Auburn American Legion. Please direct memorials to the upkeep of Turner Cemetery, 1516 Larson St. Bloomer, WI 54724. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family.