Dodge City - Thomas Arthur Klenke, 67, died unexpectedly November 11, 2021 at Western Plains Medical Complex, Dodge City.  He was born on July 5, 1954 at Portland, Indiana the son of Richard and Bonnie Joan Klenke.

After high school, Thomas joined the Army in 1973.  He had a successful Army career, including duty stations in Korea and Germany, where he met his wife of 45 years, Christa (Bayer).  Thomas retired from the Army in 1993, having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Thomas then moved with his family to Dodge City, Kansas.  He worked at Cargill Meat Solutions, working in the Rendering department and becoming a supervisor.  Thomas retired from Cargill in 2017.  During his retirement, he was an avid Harley enthusiast.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Christa Klenke; his children, Brigitte Self and husband Christopher, Danny Klenke and wife Janell, Matthew Klenke and Mark Klenke; sisters, Dena Israel, Teresa Issinghoff, and Julie Hines; brothers, Gary Klenke, Mike Klenke, and Andy Klenke; 8 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Bonnie Joan Klenke; one sister, Mary Hornung; and a brother Richard John Klenke.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM.  A private family burial will take place at a later date at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in Ft. Dodge.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Monday, November 15, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to the Thomas Klenke Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.