Stephen H. Kliethermes

Stephen Henry Kliethermes, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on August 6, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, lessons, and love that will continue to live on through his family and friends.

Stephen was born on June 10, 1953, in Boonville, Missouri, to Virgil and Mary Lee (Oidtman) Kliethermes, who preceded him in death. He was raised in Bunceton, Missouri. After proudly serving two years in the United States Army, Stephen returned home to build a life centered around faith, family, and hard work. As a farmer, he spent decades tending to the crops, raising pigs and cattle, believing there was no substitute for an honest day's work and that most problems could be solved with enough determination.

He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a man who quietly lived his values every day.

Of all the titles he held, none meant more to him than Dad and Papa. His children were the pride of his life, and watching his family grow brought him his greatest joy.

Stephen is lovingly survived by his children: Tonya and Cary Weaver, Travis and Ashley Kliethermes, Nicole Kliethermes, and Amanda and TJ Hines. He was a proud papa to Dalton, Lauren, Reece, Brenton, Theron, Elyn, Emary Lee, Nian, Raef, Jaxson, Estelle, and Becker, each of whom brought a special light to his life.

He is also survived by his sister, Georgia Jones Kliethermes, and his brothers, Leon, Mark, Gary, Dan, Gene, Carl, and Tom Kliethermes, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Kay Kliethermes.

Stephen had a gift that couldn't be bought or taught, he could fix just about anything. Family members often joked that if there was duct tape, a few barn screws, and enough patience, there wasn't a problem he couldn't solve. He may not have always followed the instruction manual, but somehow, things always seemed to work in the end. That "MacGyver" spirit became one of the many reasons people admired him.

He was wonderfully stubborn, fiercely loyal, and always willing to lend a hand. If you needed help, Stephen was there. If something was broken, he'd be the first one reaching for his snake light and tools. And if the grill was fired up, chances were his famous ribs weren't far behind. They became more than a meal; they were an invitation for family to gather, laugh, tell stories, and simply enjoy being together.

When work was done, Stephen embraced adventure. He loved skiing, snorkeling in Cozumel, fishing with his siblings, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and, to the surprise of some, enjoying Taylor Swift during many cross-country road trips. He never passed up crab legs, a seafood boil, or fresh asparagus, appreciating life's simple pleasures as much as its greatest adventures.

Those who knew Stephen will remember his grit, his resilience, and his unwavering encouragement. He believed in showing up, working hard, and taking care of the people you love. His example wasn't preached through words as much as it was lived through actions.

While our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing that every time we solve a problem with creativity, gather around the grill, cheer for the Chiefs, cast a fishing line, or simply put family first, a little piece of Stephen lives on.

His hands may finally be at rest, but the life they built, the family they nurtured, and the love they shared will continue for generations to come.

Well done, Dad. We'll take it from here.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.

Prayers of the Rosary will begin at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tipton, with visitation following until 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, with Father Anthony Viviano officiating. Burial will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the United States Army and American Legion Edgar Cole Post 304. Memorials are suggested to St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Tipton.