Victor Earnest Klokkenga, 69, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Thursday morning June 23, 2022 at the Community Living Center in the VA Hospital in Columbia, Missouri where he had been a resident off and on for almost two and a half years.

Victor was born October 17, 1952 the son of the late Earnest and Agnes (Luken) Klokkenga and spent his childhood on the family farm in the Green Grove community north of Novinger, Missouri around neighbors with last names of Paris, Lawrence, Moore, Ackerman, Lawson, Hatfield, Montgomery, Grgurich, Stokes, Crossgrove, Richardson, and many more. He had to help with the chickens, cows, hogs, Sheep, and many cats and dogs.

Victor graduated from Novinger High School with the Class of 1970 and immediately enlisted in the Air Force hoping to be a pilot. His poor eyesight prevented him from being a pilot so they trained him in the radio technology and radio communications fields and he was stationed in Okinawa and the Philippines as well as several states in the US. He loved the Air Force but the government was downsizing the military at the time so after eight years in the service Victor was not allowed to re-enlist so he returned to civilian life.

After Victor left the Air Force he was hired by Motorola in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa for a few months and then was employed by a new startup communications company called MCI. That company was purchased by Worldcom and it was eventually integrated into Verizon Wireless.

Victor spent thirty-nine years in the radio technology field before his heath declined and he retired in 2011.

Victor was a fighter and battled advanced COPD and stage 4 lung cancer for over eleven years. As the disease progressed he returned to his mother and father's farm helping where he could (especially cooking) and had extended stays in the VA Hospital for treatments when needed. He called the CLC his second home.

Victor was united in marriage to Susan Schneekloth on February 7, 1992 in Shakopee, MN and she preceded him in death on June 10, 2001.

Victor is survived by four brothers, Gerald (Carol) Klokkenga of East Peoria, IL, Stephen Earl Klokkenga of Greentop, MO, Merlyn (Cathy) Klokkenga of Sioux Falls, SD, and Gregory Klokkenga of Novinger, MO, as well as four nieces, several great-nieces and great-nephews, and even some great-great; one aunt, Erna Jane Post, and numerous cousins.

We will miss our brother but we thank God that his pain has ended. What a fighter!!!

Public visitation will be held Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. On Monday, June 27, 2022 family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. service time at Faith Lutheran Church in Kirksville. Reverend David Lukefahr will officiate the service and organ selections will be provided by Sandra Fleak. Interment will follow the service at Greentop Cemetery in Greentop.

Memorial donations in memory of Victor may be made to the Greentop Cemetery or to the donor's choice and may be left at Faith Lutheran Church, Travis-Noe Funeral Home or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.