James Klinger

James (Jim) Cyril Klinger was born January 9, 1942 to Melvin & Vernetta (Mitzie) Klinger. He left his earthly family to be with his Lord and heavenly family on September 20, 2024. He is now with his parents, brother Jerry Klinger, and daughter Julie Klinger LaVake watching over us. Jim married his true love, Jeanne Louell Wendorf on February 2, 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau. God blessed them with 2 children, Julie and Jeffrey. James was a man of many talents. A TRUE jack of all trades. He left high school early to work in construction as a iron worker. During this time he was also active in the National Guard and was called to active duty in Fort Lewis, Washington for the Berlin Crisis. Upon his return home he returned to work and was severely injured in a three story fall while building Wausau West High School (less than 200 feet from the office where his wife Jeanne would work for the last of her 46 years managing the business office). Once recovered, he then went to work in a variety of trades such as, Marathon Cheese, plumbing, heating and cooling, and concrete work. He decided to go back to school to get his high school diploma and a degree in drafting. He then went on to work for Loed, Murry Machinery and finally finishing his employment at Consolidated Building. Throughout this time James also had another part time form of employment that he loved and shared this love with his family. They enjoyed taking part in it and still do today. James was a musician. He played drums in various polka bands and ended his musical career playing with his long time music family, The Dan Gruetzmacher Orchestra for 30 years. He and Fred Steinagel had the good fortune of deer hunting with the Jerry Brickner family. He was gifted 10 acres of homesteaded land where he designed and built a home (and of course a hunting shack in his woods that he shares with his son Jeff, grandson James and many friends). Jim enjoyed being with their Card Club friends of 61 years, Gene (deceased) & Joyce Christian, Elden & Shirley Kopplin, LeRoy & Sandy Laabs, & Bob & Carol Zimmerman. He treasured his special friendships with Wayne (Suzie) Krueger and Craig (Debbie) Teske. He is a member of the Maine Lions Club. He has been a member of the Central Wisconsin Polka Club for over 50 years. Jim had the honor of going on the Never Forgotten Flight (with his son as guardian), Card Club friends and best friend Doug (Mavis) Bloom. Jim was blessed with having had his Little Buddie Eddie living with him part time (and being grandpas' little helper, plus taking drum lessons from Grandpa). He is survived by his wife Jeanne, son Jeffrey, grandson James (Cheyenne), granddaughter Veronica (Payton) LaVake, step grandchildren Tiffany (Travis) Marik, Tammy LaVake, Tony LaVake, great grandchildren Avery, Riley and Annabelle LaVake, Eddie LaVake, Cody, Lily and Dezi Marik, Son-in-law Michael LaVake. Also survived by many niece’s and nephew’s, great niece’s and nephew’s, cousins and friends. 

The family would like to thank Pastor Maggie Westaby for all her precious visits, all the Compassus Home Health staff, and the wonderful, caring workers at Wausau Manor for their awesome care of James for the last days of his life. 

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. at Saint John Lutheran Church, N. 44th Avenue, Wausau, on Saturday, September 28th with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m., visitation at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.