John Wayne Klockentager Jr., of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, May 17 at the age of 78. John was born on February 4, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, the eldest of three children of the late John and Carol Klockentager. He was a beloved member of his family, church community, college campuses across the country – and perhaps most notably – the golf course.

John married the love of his life, Connie, on August 31, 1968. They met while working at Safeway, bonding over shared donuts and soda during their breaks. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this coming August. Together, they raised three daughters: Michelle, Laura, and Krista.

In his younger years, John was the first to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in his troop. He earned the Pro deo et Patria award and was selected to be an Order of the Arrow at the Brotherhood level. A proud graduate of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, John was an athlete, competing on the swimming and baseball teams. He wanted to serve his country, and in the fall of 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve (USAR), completing training in Fort Ord, California. John was encouraged to go to officer training and attended the Iowa Military Academy, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He continued his education at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa where he lettered in golf for three years.

After graduating from college in 1971, John began a lifelong career in Higher Education, working in enrollment, financial aid, and public relations. Over the next 28 years, he served at five private colleges, where he was instrumental in increasing enrollment and enhancing student recruitment. He traveled extensively to recruit international students across Asia to attend private universities in the US. In the final chapter of his career, John became an enrollment consultant, working with institutions across all 50 states, Canada, and Japan. He cherished the opportunity to mentor young professionals and shape the future of Higher Education.

Among all his accomplishments, John's greatest pride and joy came from being a father. His devotion to his family was unwavering. He was a constant and loving presence – as a father, grandfather, colleague, and friend. Those who knew John will remember his quiet strength, humility, wisdom, warmth, and steadfast love. His legacy lives on in all those whose lives he touched.

John leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory forward: his wife, Connie; their three daughters, Michelle (Chris) Tauber of Omaha, Nebraska; Laura (Adam) Heese of Castle Rock, Colorado; and Krista Palmer of Sisters, Oregon; his grandchildren Kailyn, Brenden (fiancé Kylee) and AJ Tauber; Jonathan and Jack Heese; and Nick and Nathan Palmer; sister Kathy Morrison; brother Dennis Klockentager; nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carol Klockentager; nephew Mark Klockentager.

Visitation

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM Faith Westwood United Methodist Church

Celebration of Life

Wednesday, May 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Faith Westwood United Methodist Church

Immediately following the service, please join the family for a luncheon in the fellowship hall.

Faith Westwood United Methodist Church 4814 Oaks Ln, Omaha, NE 68137