Kletus “Klete” Rood, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle was called home to Heaven on March 20, 2021.

Klete was born on March 28, 1929, in Waukon, Iowa, to Paul and Alice Rood. Klete is preceded in death by his wife Lois Rood in 2019, and his sister, Phylis (Rood) Cleys ‘48 in 2018.

Klete is survived by his daughter, Laura Hoberg; son, Andrew Rood (girlfriend, Claudia); grandsons, Jerry Kinnunen; Steve Kinnunen (Jackie); and Chris Kinnunen (Amber); Erik Hoberg; great-grandchildren, Julianne, Joshua, Zaiden, Riker, Scarlet, and Iris Kinnunen; niece, Cathy Tryggestad (Curt Tryggestad ‘81) great-nieces and nephews, Jamie Rank, Tony Rank, Nikolene Tryggestad ‘13, and Nelson Tryggestad.

Klete graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1951 and joined the Air Force (Cadet Class 53A) where he flew in the Korean war. After leaving the Air Force in 1956, he met Lois in San Antonio, Texas, and signed on with Trans World Airlines as a pilot. He flew with TWA for 33 years, reluctantly retiring at the mandatory age of 60. Klete was active in his church, Scandinavian, and Retired Airline Pilot Clubs. While a pilot with TWA, he volunteered his time with the local schools, arranging field trips to the airport for kindergartners to board a plane and sit in the cockpit. He and Lois were "regulars" at the Church's Wednesday evening dinners, he sang in the choir and served on many church boards. Klete was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. He was a tremendous role model and inspiration for his family and friends. Klete is greatly loved and terribly missed.

A memorial service was held March 27 at Christ Lutheran Church, 7701 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church and School for the Scholarship fund. Please visit the online guestbook for Klete at www.FrenchFunerals.com

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