Michael G. "Mike" Klimek

Michael Gerard Klimek (Sheephead) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020 surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 61, after a four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He fought his battle with incredible spirit, strength, and grace. Mike was born on May 20th, 1959 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He moved to Hastings in 1964 and graduated from Hastings High School in 1977. He attended and played hockey at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls from 1978-1980. From 1980-1982, he attended Winona Area Technical Institute for Airframe and Powerplant School. In 1983, he took his first aviation job for American Central Airlines in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1984, he was hired by Republic Airline and moved back to Hastings, where he continued with Northwest Airlines as an aircraft mechanic for the next 21 years until the strike of 2005. Soon after, he was hired by Flint Hills Resources in Rosemount, Minnesota as a maintenance mechanic until 2019. Mike’s family and friends would describe him as a true family man who was always kind and compassionate. Mike put his faith above all and took pride in everything that he did. He enjoyed woodworking, as he made over 500 hockey stick chairs, as well as many cribbage boards. He also enjoyed working on cars and could fix just about anything. Growing up, he had a passion for playing hockey and golf. Mike spent over 20 of his adult years coaching kids, as well as his own, in football, baseball, softball, and hockey. Mike treated everyone with such love and respect. He was a true gentleman and set a beautiful example for his children. He was a beloved member of the community of Hastings. Mike is survived by his wife, Sheila of 27 years; children, Michael, Nicole, Rachel, Haley, and Jack; parents, Andy and Betty; brothers, Butch (Rene), Jim (Angie), and John (Elaine); mother-in-law, Karleen Peine; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Warren (Tammy) Peine, Lynn (Dave) McConnell, LuAnn (Bob) Wise, Mitch Peine (Sandy Nelson); and many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Butch Peine; and many aunts and uncles. Mike will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23 from 3:00 - 8:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings. A PRIVATE Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. To view the funeral live on Face Book, go to the Starkson Family Life Celebration page Friday, July 24 at 11:00 AM. You can also view the Funeral Mass after the service at www.hastingsmnfuneral.com. Interment, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. Dear Friends & Family of the Mike Klimek Family, We have started fund-raising for Mike’s family. You can donate in two ways. First, you can write a check, made out to the Conzemius Foundation with “The Klimek Family” written on the memo line. Mail the check to: The Conzemius Foundation, 124 Farm St., Hastings, MN 55033. Second, you can go online at conzemius-foundation.com to donate. Please make sure you add “The Klimek Family” to the 4th step “Additional Information – Donation Cause:” It is very important that you add the “The Klimek Family” to the “Memo Line” on the check or under “Donation Cause” online. This will ensure that the donation goes to the correct place. As you all know, Mike was loved by many. In his honor, we want to raise as much as possible. Please spread the word, through social media, word of mouth, or anyway you can. Thanks, Friends of Mike’s