Larry Allen Klemme

Larry Allen Klemme, 86, of Diamondhead, MS, and formerly of Stratford and Harshaw, WI, died December 17, 2016 in Diamondhead. He was born to George and Viola (Nietzke) Klemme. He married Patricia Wolford on May 28, 1977. She survives, along with 2 daughters, Linda (Alan) Rock, Stratford and Kathy (Robert) Russell, Iuka, IL. He is further survived by two grandchildren, Claudia (James) Reardon, Madison, WI and their children, Benjamin and Caroline, and Andrew (Melissa) Rock of Prior Lake, MN and their children, Athulya, Tina, Isaiah and Josiah. Peter Wolford, a brother-in-law of Diamondhead also survives. He was predeceased by a brother, Ardell Klemme, step-mother, Myrtle Klemme and step-sister, Carol Brown.
Larry was a graduate of Stratford High School. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served as a tail gunner during the Korean conflict. He continued his love of aviation by flying in a antique open-cockpit plane on his 80th birthday at Stennis Airport in MS and as a former pilot, took over the controls for a short time. He was a founding member of the Stratford radio-controlled model airplane club. Larry held a life-long love of the outdoors, and fished in Canada, the Artic Circle, Gulf of Mexico, and just about anywhere there was water and a fishing pole. He successfully hunted deer, partridge and ducks on his beloved land on Big Bearskin Lake, Harshaw. Larry was a talented restorer of antique wooden boats, and won contests with his work. He also built many new wooden boats, canoes, clocks and chairs, spending hours in one of his favorite places, his workshop. In daily life, he golfed when able, spent time with his beloved wife and Shih Tzus, and enjoyed a good German dumpling as often as possible.
Larry owned and operated Klemme Sales, Klemme Feeds, Stratford General Corporation, General Shoe, and was a business entrepreneur in several other businesses through the years, continuing the heritage of his father and grandfather, H.L. Klemme. He was so proud to have worked with many good people in Stratford.
Larry was a member of Diamondhead United Methodist Church. Private graveside services were held at Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, MS. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Road, Pass Christian is serving the family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Village for their fine care the past 2 months.
Online tributes can be made at www.riemannfamily.com