Dale Joseph Klement

Mass of Christian Burial for Dale Joseph Klement, age 78, of Muenster, was held at 10:30 am on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A rosary was held at 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Dale was born on April 24, 1948, to Ray and Irene (Sicking) Klement. He married Charlotte Sandmann on July 5, 1969, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lindsay, TX. They were married for 57 years. Dale passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Dale attended Sacred Heart Catholic School until eighth grade, then transferred to Muenster Public School, from which he graduated in 1966. Dale made his way to the University of Texas in Austin to try out as a kicker for the Longhorns football team his freshman year of college. After their marriage, Dale and Charlotte moved to Denton, where Dale completed his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Biology at the University of North Texas. In 1970, Dale and Charlotte moved to Muenster, where Dale worked for Buster Herr at Stockman’s Feed Store. In 1977, Dale and Charlotte bought the dairy from Dale’s parents, Ray and Irene Klement. This is the original farm founded by Dale’s grandparents, John B. and Margaret Klement, in 1908. Dale and Charlotte and their three children worked and operated the dairy until 1986, when Dale sold out and worked at Weber Aircraft for two years. Dale then decided to work with his Dad and Fred Koesler in carpentry. He never lost his love for the dairy, so he began milking again in 1993 and continued that along with carpentry until 1998, when he again sold out. At that time, he decided to raise beef cattle and continue his carpentry work. Dale and his son Cody carpentered together for many years with several co-workers. In the early 2000s, they started Klement Konstruction which Cody now owns and operates. Dale and Cody worked together until Dale’s health started to decline. The last home he helped build was in December 2024. Along with farm-life activities and raising a family, Dale wore many other hats. His community was very important to him. In 1987, Dale helped establish the cross-country program at Muenster ISD under the leadership of Coach Ted Heers. He announced many Muenster High School football games and ran the clock for basketball games for many years. He also served the school district by serving on the MISD school board for 9 years. Some other positions Dale held were President of Muenster Farm Mutual Company, Deputy Grand Knight (under Dan Hamric), and Grand Knight of the Muenster Knights of Columbus. He also served as delegate of the American Milk Producers, Inc, which allowed him and Charlotte to travel to Chicago for many meetings. One of Dale’s proudest memories was travelling to Austin in 2013, to receive recognition of the farm as a 100-year old “Century Farm in Texas.” In addition to his many responsibilities and leadership positions, Dale enjoyed many hobbies. In his younger years, you could find him on the golf course every weekend and at the KC Hall playing dominoes with his dad, uncles, and buddies every week. After retirement, he enjoyed playing sheephead with his friends. He was an avid reader all his life. His many books kept him occupied, especially after his confinement to a wheelchair. He also had a love of gardening and was very proud of his peach and apple trees, the produce of which he shared with many. Dale is survived by his wife Charlotte of 57 years, son Keith and wife Christine, daughter Tina and husband Kenneth Walterscheid, and son Cody and wife Dana, eleven grandchildren - Caleb, Hannah, Josiah, and Micah Klement, Abby and husband Noah Connolly, Luke, Emma, Katie, and Eli Walterscheid, Lucy and Holly Klement, and one great-grandchild due in Spring 2027. He is also survived by his brothers Lloyd and wife Pat, Lynn and wife Robin, and Lyle and wife Margie, and many nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by daughter Kristie, parents Ray and Irene (Sicking) Klement, Sister Janice and her husband Tony Lamanna, in-laws Julius and Marie Sandmann, and grandchildren lost to miscarriage Mary Catherine Walterscheid, and Isaiah, Isaac, Selah, and Berea Klement. We will close with reflections from Dale’s eulogy. “Dad’s work here is finished. The fields he tended, the homes he built, and the family he loved remain as evidence of a life well lived. But now he rests in the presence of the greatest Carpenter of all, where there are no more aches and no more weariness” and no more suffering! “ Two things I will leave you with today, as cherished memories, that remind me of my Dad: making some time to work but also relax and enjoy the provisions God has provided (family and God’s creation). “One of his all-time favorite songs was titled: “Love Me”, by Collin Raye, with his favorite line being - ‘If you get there before I do, don’t give up on me. I’ll meet you when my chores are through, I don’t know how long I’ll be….. And between now and then ‘til I see you again, I’ll be loving you, Love Me.” We’ll see you when the chores are through, Dad.

Dale Joseph Klement

April 24, 1948 - August 4, 2026