Jim Lee Klotthor

A memorial service for Jim L. Klotthor will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska with Pastor Scott Randall officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Alma Cemetery in Alma, Nebraska.

Jimmie Lee Klotthor, son of Frederick and Jessie Klotthor was born on May 31, 1942, in Holdrege, Nebraska, and passed away at his home in Alma, Nebraska on August 23, 2024. He was the third oldest child of seven and was always seen as a leader and role model by his younger siblings. Jim grew up on a farm near Edison, Nebraska. When Jim was 14 years old the family made the decision to move to La Crescenta, California after the farm near Edison had been sold. Jim finished high school in California and graduated from Glendale High School in 1960 with over 1,000 students in his graduating class.

Jim met his wife, Mary Lou Holt, at a church function when he was 16. Jim and Mary Lou were married on March 22, 1963, in Montrose, California, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage together. They were blessed with two sons, Kenneth Edwin Klotthor and Steven Lee Klotthor. From the time Jim was married in 1963 until 1970, he worked for various businesses including Gladding McBean, W. R. Shadoff, El Rancho Schools, and Brookdale Ice Cream. One of the more interesting and noteworthy jobs that Jim held while living in southern California was outfitting cars for Nudie's Rodeo Tailors. Jim was tasked with customizing convertibles with various western-inspired gear that would have been common at the time to anyone familiar with a "Hollywood Cowboy" from the 1960s and 1970s. A few of these cars became quite famous with appearances in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, some famous movies, and one that now resides in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.

Having a desire to get out of the big city, Jim and the family moved to Lake Tahoe, California in 1970 where he owned and operated a service station until 1972. In 1972 Jim and his friend Ralph purchased new homes in Carson City, Nevada without either of their wives knowing. Luckily for Jim, Mary Lou liked the color scheme of the new home that Jim picked out. While living in Carson City Jim worked for Ralph at Preferred Auto Body until 1976. In 1976 the Klotthor's made the big move to Nebraska where Jim established Lake Automotive in Republican City. Lake Automotive became a family business, with both Ken and Steve working alongside Jim for several years.

Jim enjoyed sports and competition. He coached both boys in Little League while they grew up. He also played for and sponsored the Lake Automotive slow-pitch softball and basketball teams throughout the 1980s. Jim enjoyed bowling league, golfing, and time at the lake with friends and family. Jim was also involved in the community, serving on the Republican City school board and village board for many years.

Jim's grandkids have countless special memories with Grandpa, including the annual trip to the Jordan Christmas tree farm near Oxford. Here they would all pick out a tree to cut down and then bring it back to their home in Republican City, where they would spend time together decorating it. Jim enjoyed including his grandkids in anything that he was doing and always had the patience to teach them new things.

Knowing that it would be hard to ever retire while living so close to the shop, Jim and Mary Lou relocated to Sedona Arizona in May of 2011. Here they were able to live close to their son Ken and his family who moved to the area in 2008. Jim and Mary Lou enjoyed the beautiful scenery that surrounds the Sedona area. Jim liked to keep himself busy by taking care of their huge backyard and patio area. He also enjoyed going on day-long road trips with Mary Lou to explore new areas throughout the state of Arizona. Throughout their time living in Arizona Jim and Mary Lou helped raise their great granddaughter Cadence.

In June of 2023, Jim and Mary Lou moved back "home" to Alma where they have enjoyed a maintenance-free apartment and several visits and outings with family and longtime friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Jessie Klotthor; brothers: Robert and Clyde Klotthor; and grandson, Curtis Anthony Klotthor.

Jim leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Lou of Alma; sons: Kenneth (Julie) Klotthor of Sedona Arizona; Steven (Audra) Klotthor of Alma; four siblings: Barbara (Norm) Kerr of Alma; Floyd (Adela) Klotthor of Santa Maria California; Doug (Janine) Klotthor of Milliken, Colorado; Cher (John) Livesey of Dundas, Ontario, Canada; sister-in-law Christy Klotthor of Newnan Georgia; three grandchildren: Casey Klotthor of Sedona; Bryant Klotthor of Lincoln, Nebraska; Brandi (Tyson) Osborn of Wilber, Nebraska; three great-grandchildren: Cadence, Brek, and Baylor; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing. The family has honored Jim's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Jim's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.