William KLINGLER

William Klingler born January 28, 1943 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, died with his family surrounding him on June 12, 2018.  He was raised in Waukesha and went to St. Joe’s through 6thgrade, completing grade school at St. Mary’s.  Entered St. Francis seminary and transferred to Catholic Memorial High School his sophomore year. After graduation he entered the United States Army.  Joined the 82ndAirborne Division and was stationed in North Carolina for 2 ½ years.  After honorable discharge from the service moved back to Waukesha and became a Deputy Sheriff for Waukesha County.  He married Linda Ludwig and was blessed with children; Maureen and Erwin (deceased), Lisa, Lori, and Lance.  He started Bill Klingler Excavating and Grading and remained self-employed for 43 years.  Bill was very active in the Knights of Columbus for many years, completing the 4thdegree. He enjoyed bowling, playing softball, water skiing, taking family vacations, and getting together with high school classmates in later years. Some of his favorite travels included trips to Puerto Vallarta, England, Spain, Alaska, and every U.S. state except two.  He particularly loved attending all of his grandchildren’s many activities.  Reaching retirement in 2012, he enjoyed being a snowbird in The Villages, Florida for the winter months.  He is survived by the mother of his children, Linda Klingler, his children Lisa (Joseph) Hollman, Lori (Andrew) Fenske, Lance (Carly) Klingler, his wife, Connie Klingler, step-daughters Cassandra  (Ken) Krebs, Melissa (Michael) Foerster, and Heather Cottrell; grandchildren Meredith, Mitchell, Madeleine, Mackenzie Hollman, Kenneth and Leah Fenske, Marisa Klingler, Jennifer and Caroline Krebs, and Gabriel Foerster.  Sister Sharon (Jerry) Wright, Kathy Pallen, Ann (Ray) Erbe, Brother Michael (Linda) Klingler, nieces and nephews, deceased brother Ronnie. He enjoyed living in the country in Mukwonago and at his final home “The Farm” tinkering on his backhoe. Bill was passionate about being there and helping friends and those in need.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Memorial Mass for Bill will be on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Parish (S89 W22650 Milwaukee Avenue, Big Bend, WI) with Fr. Kevin McManaman officiating. Memorial visitation will be from 9:00AM until 10:45AM at the church.   Burial will be held at a later date at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Union Grove.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be directed to:  Hope Lodge ( https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=hopelodgegainesville).

Thelen Funeral Services of North Prairie/Genesee is honored to be assisting the family.

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