Charles Klima

Charles Ray Klima, son of Charles and Frances (Cherney) Klima, was born December 11, 1935 near Cuba, Kansas. He passed from this life Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Belleville Health Care Center at the age of 74 years. Charles grew up in Cuba and graduated form Cuba High School in 1953. In 1954, he was united in marriage to Roberta Trecek. At this time they purchased the Cuba Cafe and lived upstairs. After selling the cafe, Charles went to work for the Rock Island Railroad. Then he got a job with Reece Construction and worked as a crane oiler on the Lovewell Lake Spillway Project. Throughout the years, Charles sold shoes at Pelitiers in Topeka, and drove a route truck for Mannor Baking. At this time Charles and Roberta had their son Brad, and lived in Belleville. They moved to Scandia and Charles worked for Sanborn Lumber. They later purchased the lumberyard and renamed it Klima Lumber. During this time Charles was busy being a Dad, coaching Brad's baseball teams and teaching him how to fish and hunt. Charles helped with one of the first Hunter Safety classes in this area. After selling the lumberyard, he worked for the Republic County Highway Department, the City of Scandia, and Geo Hays Lumber. Charles went back to Republic County Road Maintenance and retired in 2005 to peruse his love of gardening, fishing, watching great grandkids, and traveling. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Evelyn Homolka; and his grandson Justin Klima. He will be forever remembered by his wife Roberta of their home; son Brad and his wife Alice of Belleville; grandsons Ryan and wife Sharon of Concordia, KS and Kevin and wife Misty of Clay Center, KS; great grandchildren Kirstyn, Kayla, Ryah, Hayden, Kreighton, Jersey, and Maverik; his brother Melvin of Oberlin, KS; other relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Scandia, Kansas with Pastor Kathy Aeillo officiating. Burial was in the Belleville City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family's choice.