Obit: Klinke, Ronald J. (1961 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Klinke, Johnson, Bayuk, Hastreiter, Sytkowski, Hoeper, Behrens, Smith

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 16 Sep 2020

Klinke, Ronald J. (3 JAN 1961 – 10 SEP 2020)

Ronald J. Klinke, 59, Willard, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. A private memorial service will be held for Ron’s family at noon on Saturday, Sept. 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood. Rev. Leo Johnson will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life for all to attend, following the service, beginning at 4 p.m., at the Rock Dam Rod and Gun Club. Ron loved Christmas and being Santa’s helper, so feel free to wear appropriate holiday attire.

Ron was born on Jan. 3, 1961, in Marshfield, to Alvin J. and Florence M. (nee Bayuk) Klinke. He was raised and received his education in Greenwood. Ron was an excellent driver and turned his love for driving into a 35-year career doing OTR trucking, retiring in 2016 due to health problems. Ron had many interests including scuba diving in his healthier years, along with racing, fixing things, and cooking, but he especially loved bringing joy to families and the elderly at Christmas while playing Santa. He was very proud of his son Jonathon, who recently became a paramedic. Ron had a big heart and truly enjoyed helping people. To the chagrin of his sisters — literally — his lights were always on and his door was always open in case someone needed to borrow something.

Ron will be dearly missed by his son: Jonathon Klinke of Altoona; his siblings: Dolores (Richard) Hastreiter of Hudson, Patricia Klinke of Greenwood, Kathleen (John) Sytkowski of Kenosha, Robert (Lonna) Klinke of Greenwood, Joan (Jeff) Hoeper of Greenwood, Mary Lou (Tom) Behrens of Willard, Sandy Klinke of Willard, and Peg (Craig) Smith of Willard; his sister-in-law: Carole Klinke of Bloomer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and his dog Ruger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Ed and Mike; and one niece, Mica.

We are thankful for the whole heaven of guardian angels Ron had watching out for him, including his doctors, the staff and other clients of Davita, who made going to dialysis a more enjoyable experience, and also for the awesome Rock Dam community where he lived.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.