Obituary of Anne Klimes

Anne Elizabeth Biddinger Barker Klimes, 89, passed away at Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids, on October 25, 2023.

She will be honored at a Celebration of Life on November 1, noon—2:00 at Price Creek Event Center in Amana. All are invited to enjoy a light lunch and share memories. Private graveside services will follow at Oxford Cemetery.

Anne was born to Ralph and Anne Biddinger in Oelwein, Iowa in 1934. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Oelwein.

She married Gerald Barker and later divorced. In 1977 she married Vernon (Curly) Klimes, after which she beautifully managed a blended household of five teenagers. Anne worked at Roosevelt Jr. High School, International Harvester, and was a popular hostess at the Barn Restaurant in Amana (now Price Creek Event Center) where she requested her celebration of life be held.

Anne loved time with her family and hearing about her grandchildren’s lives. She lived creatively as a painter and artist, seamstress, decorator and gardener. Anne was social — with long-time friends and family, she enjoyed playing cards, crafts, coloring, meals around campfires, and daytrips. She was a fixture at the MAC, where she drank coffee with friends, along with some exercising. Anne was an ardent puzzle enthusiast to the end.

Her family includes her husband of 46-years, Curly; their children, Steven (Billie), Christa (Mike), Elizabeth (Ben), John (Jamie), Steven (Shelly), and Kevin (Elizabeth); 27 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; Anne’s siblings, Shirley, Nancy, and Steve and sister-in-law, Edith.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, sons Mark and David; grandson Bryan; brother John and former husband, Gerald.

Her presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her.