Jim Kloewer

James “Jim” Michael Kloewer was born on March 25, 1929, the son of Gottlieb and Eleanor (Rau) Kloewer in Westphalia, Iowa, the second of ten children. He was baptized, confirmed and attended St. Boniface Catholic School. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Panama with the class of 1947. After completing his education, he began working for Shelby County in road maintenance. In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he received transportation training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served a year in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1953. He started working at Vickers Corporation while attending Body and Fender School in Omaha. In 1955, he became a truck driver for Panama Transfer.

On May 1, 1956, he was united in marriage to Rita Mumm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling. Together, they made their home in Panama and were blessed with six children: Debra, Cynthia, Daniel, Dean, William and Ramona. In 1957, he and his brother Don purchased Panama Transfer. Jim remained actively involved in the business for many years, even after selling it to his son, Dean, and son-in-law, Mark Crall, continuing to contribute as a valued member of the staff.

Jim was actively involved in numerous parish and community projects throughout his life. He proudly served on the Panama Fire Department for more than 68 years and was a dedicated member of the American Legion for over 70 years. He gave 12 years of service to the Harlan Community School District as a school board member and contributed to local government as a member of the Panama City Council, including two years as mayor. In addition, he was engaged with the Athletic Association and served as a Boy Scout leader.

Jim and Rita found joy in traveling with their children during their younger years, and later, he loved taking trips with his sisters and brothers-in-law, often exploring new wineries together. Above all, Jim treasured the time spent with his family and held a special place in his heart for his 22 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment and memory made with them.

Jim passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the age of 96 years, 11 months and seven days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita Kloewer; daughter, Debra Puhl; and five siblings: Helen Kleffman, Jane Kloewer, Deanna Clark, Louis Kloewer and Donald Kloewer.

Jim is survived by his children: Cindy (Joe) Connolly of Papillion, Nebraska, Daniel (Carol Stessman) Kloewer of Omaha, Nebraska, Dean (Colleen) Kloewer of Panama, Bill (Janet) Kloewer of Johnston and Mona (Mark) Crall of Panama; son-in-law, Nick Puhl of Le Mars; 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; siblings: Charlet Connelly of Tucson, Arizona, Edna (Keith) Mallonee of Foley, Alabama, Donna Schwery of Panama, Mary (Ken) Bell of Clark, South Dakota; siblings-in-law: Gary Clark of Gibbon, Nebraska, Joan Sondag of Harlan, Jerome “Willie” (Shirley) Mumm of Harlan, Bernice (Gene) Stolz of Omaha, Nebraska, Ray (Mary) Mumm of Ute, Bob Mumm of Gilman, Verla Mumm of Dunlap and Marilyn Mumm of Dunlap; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish Center in Panama. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. Interment with military honors and the fire department last call will be held in the Washington Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Volunteer Fire Department or the American Legion Post 601 both of Panama.