Fort Atkinson, Iowa - Kerry C. Kleve

January 13, 1978 — November 23, 2025

Kerry C. Kleve, age 47, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at his home.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Waucoma Event Center 308 Riverview Dr, Waucoma, IA 52171, with Rev. Jan Gluth-King presiding. Burial will be at a later date at the Waucoma City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Waucoma Event Center 308 Riverview Dr, Waucoma, IA 52171. There will be no visitation on Tuesday morning at the Event Center. Please come in and be seated.

Per the family's request, send memorials to the family instead of flowers.

He was born January 13, 1978, in Decorah, IA, to Kerry L. and Marjie (Phillips) Kleve.

Kerry graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1996. After graduation, he attended NICC for a short time before working various jobs until he found his love for trucking. He worked for a variety of trucking companies until he returned to Mihm Bros in January 2016, where he decided to trade in shifting gears for a desk job. During his time at Mihms, he worked as an over-the-road trucker, putting on many miles, and as a Logistics and Safety Coordinator.

Kerry first met Kara in Calmar, IA, in 2002. They were reunited in 2012, when Kerry was persistent in his pursuit of her. They exchanged vows on October 4, 2014, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Festina, IA To this union, they welcomed 2 beautiful children: Kaislee Robyn (9) and Kael Brandon (7).

Kerry was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed sharing that passion with Kael. He passed on his knowledge and love for softball to Kaislee and enjoyed watching her improve each year. He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Labrador Retrievers, his trips to Las Vegas , and, most recently, the Brewers after taking Kara to her first baseball game. He adored his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He had the biggest heart, caring for Kara and the family through tough times. He poured his heart and soul into his community, finding his calling in 2019 when he joined the South Winn First Responders and Fort Atkinson Fire Department. In 2024, he was elected as Fire Chief, a title he carried with honor and pride.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Kara (Hageman), daughter Kaislee, and son Kael, all of Fort Atkinson, IA. Parents Kerry L and Marjie (Phillips) Kleve of Waucoma, IA, Brother Bryan (Angie) Kleve, Waucoma, IA, Sister Kinsli (Tyler) Schott of Elgin, IA, Father-in-law Neil (Patty Nelson) Hageman of Fort Atkinson, IA, Sister-in-law Kaiya Kriener of Fort Atkinson, IA, Nephews Owen Schott and Karter Kriener, nieces Sophia (Nolan) Hoey and Sara Adams, Grandmother-in-law Christine Kolaas, Calmar, IA, as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Along with his brothers and sisters of the Fort Atkinson Fire Department and South Winn First Responders.

He is preceded in death by his Brother, Brandon Kleve, Brother-in-law, Peter J Kriener; Mother-in-law, Robyn Schmitt, Grandfather in law Kenneth Kolaas, Maternal grandparents, Mike and Margaret ( Fischer) Phillips; Paternal grandparents, Eugene and Margaret (Schlichte) Kleve, close friend Dion Hegseth, and beloved labs Abby and Lucy.