February 22, 1956 – December 8, 2025
Keith “Wally” Kleve, 69, of Waucoma, died Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Becker & Son Funeral Home in Hawkeye. A Celebration of Life will follow from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Hawkeye Community Hall. All who attend are invited to wear their favorite sports team’s gear.
Keith Eugene, son of Eugene and Margaret (Schlichte) Kleve was born February 22, 1956, at St. Joseph Community Hospital in New Hampton. He received his Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma. Keith went to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waucoma until 6th grade where he began at Turkey Valley. While at Turkey Valley, he excelled on the football field, still holding the record for the longest fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. After graduating high school in 1974, Keith began farming in the rural Waucoma area. In addition to farming, he worked at the Waucoma Feed Mill for several years and Lynch Livestock for eighteen years. The nickname “Wally” originated while working at Lynch’s. In 2000, he and Carla Engelhardt began their lives together. Wally jumped right into assisting Carla with raising her three children, Justin, Tiffany and Tanner. In 2005, Carla and Wally began operating the Hawkeye Tap and did so until 2008. He enjoyed watching sports and was a huge Iowa State Cyclones and Green Bay Packers fan.
Wally is survived by his special friend, Carla Engelhardt of Hawkeye; her three children whom he raised as his own, Justin (Amanda) Engelhardt of Waverly, Tiffany (Brian) Goodenbour of Elma and Tanner (Danielle) Miller of Hawkeye; grandchildren, Emma and Brayton Engelhardt, Liam and Kaylee Gooenbour, and Reece, Grayson and Brogan Miller; brothers, Kevin (Jan) Kleve and Kerry L. (Marjie) Kleve, both of Waucoma and nieces and nepehws, Chyanne (Tyler) Kalishek, Jenna (Craig) Kuehner, Jayme (Jared) Tegeler, Bryan (Angie) Kleve, Kara Kleve, and Kinsli (Tyler) Schott.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two nephews, Brandon Kleve and Kerry C. Kleve.
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