Klimesh, Robert A. and Mary E. (Andera)

(Cyril M. Klimesh)

Robert Anton Klimesh was born 27 Mar 1877 and baptized by his uncle the Rev. Francis L. Mikota. As a youngster, when not helping in his father's farm machinery shop, he worked as a carpenter's helper and gradually learned that trade. For a time he worked in a meat packing plant in Omaha, NE, as a grocery clerk in Manly, IA and as a bartender in his brother’s saloon in Spillville, IA.

On 24 Apr 1900, Robert married Mary Elizabeth Andera, a daughter of Karel and Barbara Dostal Andera. Just before Christmas, the newlyweds moved to a home Robert had built on the site of his father’s business after razing the shop. Two months later, Robert sold the house to his father and, with Mary’s parents and their family, moved to farms near Bolivar in Polk County, MO. The move failed to meet their expectations and both families returned to Iowa. Robert first rented, then built a home in Protivin where he worked in his brother Frank’s implement shop. After acquiring a franchise for the International Carriage Automobiles, Robert went into business for himself. In Apr 1911, Robert and Mary moved to Spillville. Mary frequently recalled the trip: There was about a foot of snow on the ground and their high-wheeled, narrow tired vehicle had much difficulty getting through. They first lived with their parents, then in the two story structure now known as the Old World Inn, after which they purchased a house from John Flospodarsky which Robert enlarged and modernized. After purchasing the adjoining lot, he built Klimesh Garage. For a time he sold Buicks, Overlands and Fords, before settling on the last. A grandson still holds the franchise.

Robert was the first in Spillville to have an automobile, the first to have electricity, and the first to provide his wife with a gasoline-powered washing machine. At one time or another he sold lightning rods, embossed metal siding, gasoline engines, and threshing machines. For a time he owned and operated a carousel, a portable bowling alley, and with Anton Balik, showed movies weekly at the ABCS Hall. Robert set up and operated Spillville’s first municipal light plant. He enjoyed fishing for mud turtles and playing a cornet with the Spillville brass band. Robert died 26 Jan 1921 in Bellville, OH. Mary died 6 Aug 1984 in Decorah.

Robert and Mary were the parents of eight children: Robert C. Klimesh, born 3 Aug 1901 in Karlin, MO. On 9 Feb he married Arzalla Houdek. Robert died 15 Apr 1951; Arzalla died 12 Jan 1974. Charles was born 21 Apr 1903 in Karlin. After his father’s death, he took over operation of Klimesh Garage. On 18 Oct 1928, in Spillville, he married Anna Pavlovec. Charles died 26 Nov 1984. They had three children. Otilia Mary was born 19 Feb 1905 in Protivin. On 30 Apr 1934 she married Mark Walsh in Spillville. They had four children. Sidoniawas born 18 Mar 1909 in Protivin. On 27 Nov 1933 she married Alvin Klimesh in Spillville. Sidonia died 8 Nov 1985; Alvin died 16 Jul 1970. They had five children. Celestine was born 6 Mar 1911 in Protivin. On 5 Sep 1932 he married Helen Polansky in Cherry Mound, IA. Celestine died 2 Feb 1978. They had four children. Emil, born 19 Jul 1914 in Spillville. On 30 Mar 1940 he married Marcella Herold in Spillville. Emil died 24 May 1977. They had four children. Cyril M. was born 20 Jan 1917 in Spillville. On 8 May 1948 in Spillville, he married Irene Dolan. They had six children. Godfrey “Glimmer”, was born 8 Nov 1919 in Spillville. On 22 Apr 1946 he married Regina Bily in Spillville. Godfrey died 15 Jun 1995. They had four children.

Klimesh, Edward and Linda (Oulman)

(Edward and Linda Klimesh)

Ed and Linda Klimesh and sons Lew, Simon and Harley in 1995.

Edmund “Ed" Francis Klimesh, son of Edward and Evelyn (Loesch) Klimesh of rural Protivin, was born at Cresco’s St. Joseph Hospital. His mother, Evelyn, was the daughter of Clement and Louise (Infeld) Loesch of rural Spillville, IA. Ed has three sisters: Eileen Chihak of rural Elma, IA, Ellen Martell of LaCrosse, Wl, and Edna living at home.

Ed, a teacher, is a 1971 graduate of Loras College, Dubuque, IA with a major in English. He received a graduate degree in Communications from Mankato State University, Mankota, MN in 1978.

Ed married Linda Marie Oulman, daughter of Ronald and Audrey (Newhouse) Oulman, 6 Sep 1974 at St. John's Catholic Church, Rochester, MN. Ed has taught in Riceville, IA, Kasson, MN and currently teaches at South Winneshiek High School in Calmar, IA.

Linda was born at the Mitchell Co. Memorial Hospital, Osage, IA. She is one of seven children. Linda graduated from Rochester Nursing. She received her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA in 1983. Linda has worked at the Rochester Methodist Hospital and is currently employed at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah.