George D. Klinker

George Dennis Klinker, age 90, of Wausau, WI passed away on Saturday February 25, 2023 at Aspirus Hospital with family by his side.

George was born at home on August 16, 1932 to George and Mary (Kennedy) Klinker in New Lisbon, WI. After George graduated from New Lisbon High School in 1950 he joined the army where he became a paratrooper in the 82^nd Airborne Division during the Korean War. When his service in the Army was over, he attended UW-LaCrosse. After graduating with a degree in Elementary Education he furthered his studies at UW-Milwaukee in Elementary Administration. He started his career in the Wausau School District as an Elementary Principal at Maine School where he stayed for 32 years. During the later years he was also Principal at Berlin School. One of the things at Maine School that he was proud of was the development of the George Klinker Nature Trail.

In August of 1956 George married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne Thompson. George and Mary Anne went on to have three daughters: Karen, Christine and Ruth Anne.

In 1992 George retired and spent his time hunting, fishing, caring for his pond and trails he made in his woods, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Avis Ristow Klinker, siblings: Mary Jean Walworth, Keith Klinker, Dorothy Honish, and nephews: Kurt and Robert Klinker.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years. His children: Karen (Mark) Saxon, Christine (David) Krautkramer, and Ruth Anne Riehle.  Grandchildren; Daniel Saxon, Stephanie Saxon, Jessica (Ryan) Scott, Keri Jo (Erik) Messick, Jared (Bethany) Seubert, Brandon (fiancé Katrina Goestch) Riehle, Brett (fiancé Brenna Spoehr) Riehle, and Brittney Riehle. Great-Grandchildren; Aslyn and Krayton Scott, Kiera and Ariela Messick, Tyla Beilke-Seubert, Kali and Lakelyn Seubert, and many nieces and nephews. Step-siblings: Jerry (Jill) Ristow, Eileen Steckling. Step-Grandchildren; Kimberly (Brian) Van Hoof, Nathan (Monica) Krautkramer, Joshua (Jamie) Krautkramer, Trisha (Ricky) Volm. Step-Great-Grandchildren; Brandin, Blaze and Kara Van Hoof, Logan, Brayden, Kolten and Reid Krautkramer, Emma and Addyson Krautkramer, Carli and Cooper Volm.

Funeral Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 Adams Street, Wausau on Thursday March 9, 2023 at 11:00am with visitation starting at 9:30am. Burial will take place Friday March 10, 2023 at 11:00am in New Lisbon, WI at Brewster cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Marathon County Humane Society or St Jude, organizations George felt strongly about.

The Family would like to thank Aspirus Palliative Care for their kindness and compassion.

George lived a full and happy life. May he rest in peace.