David Arthur Kleinbach

David "Dave" Arthur Kleinbach, 75 of Minnesota City, died Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Lake Winona Manor after a short battle with cancer. Following his death, he was able to give the gift of sight to someone else by donating his corneas.Dave was born December 22, 1938 in La Crosse, WI to Fred and Alice (Witt) Kleinbach. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1957. Dave married Judith Smith on May 13, 1961 at the Church of the Nazarene in Winona. He served in the United States Navy from 1961-1964 aboard the USS Sculpin SSN 590. After being honorably discharged, he worked for several area trucking companies until starting Dave's Truck Repair in 1976; something he took a great sense of pride in. He was a member of the American Legion, Oakland Cemetery Board and served for 32 years on the Minnesota City Council, only missing one meeting that entire time.Dave's family was his number one priority; they meant the world to him. He also enjoyed collecting and restoring antique tractors and engines. Dave and Judy spent many hours together in their garden and working in the yard. Dave truly enjoyed visiting with others and had an infectious laugh and sense of humor that will be greatly missed by all that knew him.He is survived by his wife, Judy of 53 years; two children, Laura (Brent) Samb of Rochester and Michael of Houston; two grandsons, David (Eleyna) Samb of Minneapolis and Steven Samb of Minneapolis; two sisters, Judy (Dr. Tom) Miller of Buffalo Lake, MN and Sandy Kleinbach of La Crescent; one brother, Russell (C.J. Hazel) Kleinbach of Philadelphia, PA; and many nieces, nephews and friends.Dave was preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws, Laura and Ken Smith.A Celebration of his Life will be 3 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2014 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with the Reverend Tom Schoen and Reverend Norman Witt officiating. Visitation will be 4 - 7 p.m., Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Full Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post #9 immediately following the service. Burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery.Memorials are preferred to A.B.L.E Incorporated - Houston Apartments or Winona Area Hospice.Please share a memory of Dave, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/508421