EARL KLANKOWSKI

May 27, 1956 - August 25, 2019

Earl Lee Klankowski, 63, of rural Caledonia, passed away suddenly from a tragic fall from a lift while cutting trees on August 25, 2019. He can now enjoy his “little grass shack” in Tahiti as that is where he always wanted to go when he retired. Earl was born on May 27, 1956, in Caledonia, Minnesota to Herman and Maria (Jahn) Klankowski. He graduated from Caledonia High School Class of 1974. He then went on and graduated from Western Wisconsin Technical College with an associate’s degree in Computer Programming in 1976. He married Holly Meisch on September 17, 1977 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia, MN. Earl and Holly started their life together working on a farm in Walnut Grove, MN. It wasn’t long and they came back home to Caledonia where Earl insulated houses for SEMCAC, then drove truck for the Caledonia Haulers for nine years until a close call changed his mind. He worked in various positions at Northern Engraving for over 20 years, and went back to school and became a home health aide for a few years. He loved being a school bus driver for the last 10 years. All the kids on his routes were his pride and joy. Earl was a proud and involved member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1198 in Caledonia as the Financial Secretary. He enjoyed helping the Knights sponsor the marathon every year and watching the kids smiling faces as they completed their milestones. Earl was an avid volunteer throughout his life and raised his three kids to be volunteers as well. In addition to the many hats he wore, he worked hand-in-hand with his wife Holly at Meisch Upholstery, now named “Just Stitch It Meisch Upholstery”, for over forty years. They enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, playing dominos, and cards. They liked listening to audio books from the library while they worked together in the shop. He loved spending time with his family. He would drop everything to help anyone. His family was his life. His grandchildren referred to him as “Papa Squirrel”, which always put a smile on his face. Earl took great pride in brewing Klankowski Family Wines. He exhibited at many county fairs and the state fair, achieving multiple grand champion awards. Family and friends participated in annual wine tasting and bottling events. He was instrumental in the success of the “over the top” bridal showers which were designed by his sister Cleo, in honor of all the nieces and nephews married over the years. He referred to himself as “designs by Er-ral”. He was an adopted parent and grandparent to so many children over the years and did it without hesitation every time. Earl was at every event for all of us and continued to be an energetic supporter of Caledonia Warrior activities. He sat in the rain to watch soccer and football games, gained “bleacher butt” from hours at wrestling meets or competitive cheer competitions, but never the less if one of his kids was in it, he was there to support it. He continued this with his grandkids at basketball games, cross country meets, football games, wrestling matches, and countless 4H shows. His work ethic has been passed down, and perseverance can be seen by all of his kids and grandkids. Faith, family, and friends were all very important to Earl who worked diligently to instill this in all of the lives he was a part of. Earl is survived by his loving family, wife, Holly; three children, Ben (Ally) Klankowski of Austin, MN, grandkids Morgan, Madeline, Marlie, Mya, and Mariah; Caleb (Joni Noaeill) Klankowski of Dodge Center, MN, grandkids Madison Noaeill, Grady, Beau, Mason Noaeill, and Abe; and Willa (Shane) St. John of Beavercreek, OH, grandkids Michael, Courtney, Braedyn Farr, Sebastian Farr, Wyatt, Evan, Hank, and Greta. Earl is also survived by five siblings, Gordon (Doris) Klankowski, Alice Klankowski, and Betty (Peter) Esch all of Caledonia, MN, Karl (Barb) Klankowski of Coronado, CA/Ithaca, NY, and Cleo Ostrander of Saratoga Springs, NY; brothers and sisters in law, Arnie (Janene) Meisch of Prior Lake, MN, Linda (Tom) Dadko of Santa Rosa, CA, Kenny (Jane) Meisch of Caledonia, MN, also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he greatly loved and enjoyed spending time with. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Herman Jr., Glen, and Dean, two sisters in law, Lora Meisch, and Mary Klankowski, father and mother in law Robert and Leona Meisch, and grandson Kullen St. John. If anyone was counting that was 19 grandkids! A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Friday, August 30, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Stephen Abaukaka will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday at St. Mary's Holy Family Hall and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. In lieu of plants, memorials are preferred to St. Mary's School or Calvary Cemetery.