David Klinger Sr., 89

David Calvin Warren Klinger Sr., formerly of Afton, Minn., died Sept. 21, 2011, at his home in Carefree, Ariz. He was 89.

Born Jan. 5, 1921, in Windom, Minn., he was the youngest of nine children of Thedo Geerds and Wilhelmina Buttel Klinger, both German immigrants who farmed dozens of acres in Cottonwood County for more than 30 years.

David married the love of his life, Mildred June Larsen, on Oct. 2, 1943. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in WWII as a signal corps specialist, serving in the Philippines and Japan. After 3 years of active duty, Dave returned to college and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in journalism in 1948.

After living and working in Racine, Wis., Topeka, Kan., and Washington D.C., the couple returned to Minnesota, where Dave spent 25 years in various public relations positions at 3M Co. until he retired in 1987 as director of corporate communications.

Dave loved gardening and building things - his vegetable gardens were the envy of all who knew him. He built the addition to his Afton home; his garage; and the most interesting of miniature golf greens on his front acres, where his friends/family spent summer evenings. Dave loved to read, and among his passions was solving even the toughest Sunday New York Times crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan J. Klinger of Carefree; his son, David W. Klinger II of Afton, Minn.; daughter-in-law, Nancy M. Klinger; and two grandchildren, Jonathan (age 21) and Jennifer (age 19). He also is survived by a son, Jeff, and four very close friends who showered him with support and unconditional love - Lynn Christianson, Matt Christianson, Lori Anderson, and Ralph Ebbott.

A private service will be held for family and a few close friends. Memorials may be made to Kinnic Nursing Home, River Falls, Wis., where his beloved wife passed.

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