Donald J. Kleinschmit

Don Kleinschmit, 72, passed away quickly and peacefully, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in the family home that he thoughtfully designed with his engineering expertise and love. He fought a short and fierce battle with Leukemia.

Don was born on June 10, 1952 to Stella and Paul Kleinschmit in Wall, South Dakota – the youngest of 3 children, Dennis, Judy and Don. Don met his wife, Mary in 1977, and they were married in 1980. They had two children, Keri and Jon, who he adored.

Don graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota with a degree in Civil Engineering. He then moved to Des Moines where he worked for The Trane Company, followed by Systems Management and Balancing until his retirement in 2016.

Don had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making witty remarks and jokes. He was a man of few words, but when he said something it was usually worth listening to. He was methodical, intentional, detailed, and took great pride in his ability to fix anything.

Don deeply loved his family and all dogs. He had a knack for creating unique consequences for his kids, often with a humorous twist. These sometimes involved watching shows they didn’t enjoy - like Big Joe’s Polka Show. His grandkids were his pride and joy, and they affectionately called him, Mookie. Mookie enjoyed reading to his grandkids in silly voices and playing made up games with each of them. His absolute favorite thing to do was watching the LA Dodgers entire season each year, and giving people a hard time about opposing teams.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; children, Keri (Kory) Ross and Jon (Brittany) Kleinschmit; grandchildren, Emma Ross, Caden Ross, and Cameron Kleinschmit; and his sister, Judy (Dave) Curtis.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Paul Kleinschmit; and his brother, Dennis Kleinschmit.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with a Celebratory Mass on March 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, IA. A luncheon will follow. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the livestream link at the end of the obituary below and accessible on the day of the service. There will be a private inurnment at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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