MEMORIAM]

[ IN

Denton Kliewer

March 11, 1954 ~ January 3, 2025

Denton Kliewer, 70, of Aurora, passed away Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at CHI Bergan Mercy in Omaha.

Denton Lee Kliewer was born in Aurora March 11, 1954, to George and Delores (Paschke) Kliewer. Denton grew up in the Hamilton County area and graduated from Aurora High School in 1973. After graduation, he worked at a service station at the interstate and helped on the family farm. Denton married Barbara Jean Post Feb. 17, 1979, in Hastings. Denton and Barb lived in rural Clay County, where they were joined by their daughters Stacey in 1981 and Cara in 1984. Soon after that, the family moved two miles north of Aurora, where they lived until 1990. They then moved to their present home on South Hwy 14, where in 1992, Taunya joined the family. Denton is known by many for his strong and dedicated work ethic. He held several jobs over the years such as farmer, mechanic, hired hand, department of roads worker, wet-cake truck driver, self-employed swathing and baling service, and self-employed engine extraordinaire. No matter where he was, he always ran into someone he knew, and on the rare occasion that he didn’t, he was quick to make a new friend to carry a conversation with. He was the definition of a social butterfly. Denton loved to spend time sharing stories. Stories of growing up on the farm with his siblings, past trips, motors, and about his life. He had a way with telling stories and most did not mind when there was a repeat (or 10).

For years, his bright green service truck could be spotted going up and down the roads of Hamilton County and beyond, stopping for parts, coffee, and conversations wherever he went. Denton’s goal was for that bright green truck to reach 300,000 miles. When he reached that goal, he set a new one of 400,000 miles! Denton always said that when that bright green truck stopped working, he was going to retire. When it finally did quit working, in true Denton fashion, he bought a new work truck, and just kept on going!

Denton was a member of the Stockham Community Church for over 40 years, where he enjoyed morning coffee with everyone there and loved catching up with others in the church. Much of Denton’s social time centered around a cup of coffee. He made his way every morning to Stockham for coffee time, so he could talk “facts and weather” with the other locals. He also always made time for an afternoon coffee with his mom and dad when they were still with us. Denton loved riding motorcycles with friends and family. He enjoyed many trips over the years, traveling through the mountains of Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming.

Denton was a family man and loved spending time with his immediate and extended family members. Denton enjoyed giving tractor rides to his grandchildren, going on walks around the farm, and helping them with the tricycles that were passed down through three generations. Denton’s daughters recalled how he always grumbled about “limo pickups,” campers, or Harley Davidson Motorcycles. He considered the “limo pickups” too big and worthless, he said no one needed a camper, and that Harleys were too loud, “shook you to death” and that they had to be trailered to go to Sturgis. All three daughters, and his wife, were beyond shocked when he ended up purchasing all three! They all took great pleasure in reminding him of the constant remarks he used to make!

Denton was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth; and in-laws, Darrell and Viola Post.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara; daughters, Stacey of Pennsylvania, Cara of Gretna, Taunya (Jared Burns) of Las Cruces, NM, and bonus daughter, Sarah (Matt Quimby) of Lincoln; grandchildren, Wyatt Lee (Cara), Avari Rylyn (Taunya), Maddox Jay and Barrett Allen (Sarah); siblings, twin brother Dennis Kliewer (Shirley) of Bradshaw, sister-in-law Brenda Robison (Doyle) of Kinsley, KS, sister Rita Wilkins (Edward) of Brentwood, TN, brother Gary Kliewer (Dede) of Ault, CO, and sister-in-law Merna Parmenter (Russell) of Grand Island. Denton is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life took place at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Stockham Community Church. Rev. Rick Bartek officiated. Private family interment was at the Stockham Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date.

Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.