Ryan Charles Klinkhammer

Ryan Charles Klinkhammer, 28, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on April 2, 2026.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 9th, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and remember Ryan. Military honors for Ryan will be accorded at 7:00 p.m. by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. 

Ryan Charles Klinkhammer, 28, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on April 2, 2026, at 12:56 p.m. at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, succumbing to injuries sustained while doing something he loved—snowboarding. His loss has left his family shattered, and life as they knew it will never be the same.

Ryan was known for his quick wit, steady presence, and kind soul. He had a way of making others feel at ease and cared deeply for those around him. Loyal, genuine, and quietly courageous, Ryan’s love and compassion were evident in everything he did.

He proudly served his country as a Machine Gunner in the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating strength, discipline, and courage. While those qualities defined his service, it was his heart that truly defined the man he was.

Ryan was engaged to the love of his life, Kari Ramsey. Together, they were building a future and dreaming of a family—dreams that will now go unrealized, a loss felt deeply by all who knew them, especially Kari.

He is survived by his fiancée, Kari Ramsey; his loving parents, Kimberly (Paul) Kramer of Surprise, Arizona; and his father, Rob (Leslie) Klinkhammer of Leon, Iowa. He also leaves behind his sister, Sarah (Cliff) Ginter of Dubuque, Iowa; his sister, Alayna Kowaleski of Surprise, Arizona; his stepbrother, Kyle (Abbie) Kramer of Dubuque, Iowa; his stepsister, Stephanie (Gordon) Martinez-Diaz of Seattle, Washington; and his nephew, Forrest Kramer of Dubuque, Iowa.

Ryan also leaves behind his beloved golden retriever, Chloe—his loyal companion and best friend, who was always by his side.

Ryan’s absence leaves a void that can never be filled. He was a remarkable man, taken far too soon, and those who loved him will carry both the joy of knowing him and the weight of his loss every day.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital—especially Mackenzi, Nikayla, Dr. Miller, and Dr. Mulk—for their compassion and tireless efforts to save his life. Even in death, Ryan’s legacy of generosity continued, as he became an organ donor, saving at least nine lives through his selfless gifts. 

Though Ryan will never have the chance to build the life and family he dreamed of, the love, laughter, and warmth he shared will live on in all who knew and loved him.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.