Richard Klinger

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Francis “Dick” Klinger who departed this life peacefully surrounded by family on August 15, 2025 at the age of 86. 

Dick was born on May 27, 1939, in Platteville, Wisconsin to Francis and Leona (Wehnke) Klinger. He lived only two years of his life outside of Platteville, when he moved to Madison to study business after high school. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou McVay in 1960 and returned to Platteville to live out his life there. He loved his hometown and lived a life that was the epitome of hard work, dedication, and service to his community. He was the last of the home delivery milkmen, and in 1965 he took over ownership of the Log Cabin Grocery store on South Chestnut Street. Across 35 years, he and Mary Lou owned and operated three grocery businesses; the Log Cabin Grocery, the E-Z Shop, and Hazel Green Fine Foods. Dick and Mary Lou had three children, Mark, Lisa, and Amy, and the entire family grew up helping run their businesses. 

Dick served his community in a number of ways, but none more important to him than the 62 years he served as a member of the Platteville Volunteer Fire Department. After Dick retired and they sold their business, he and Mary Lou travelled extensively and became Winter Texans, spending several months each year with dear friends in Weslaco, Texas.  During retirement, Dick became a greatly skilled woodturner making bowls, lamps, pens, and all variety of other beautiful woodworked objects. Dick never met a stranger enjoying his talks with friends and family at the stores and chats with anyone, anywhere. Customers and employees became family.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lou (McVay) Klinger, and three children, Mark (Laura) Klinger of Chapel Hill, NC, Lisa (Brian) Paonessa of Athens, AL, and Amy (Ron) Wells of Platteville, six grandchildren, Kate Klinger, Ben Klinger, Kadie (Cale) Wilder, Eric (Teresa) Wells, John Wells, Dan Wells, one great grandchild , his beloved Harper Wilder, and his sister Judie (Lowell) Gibbon of Dodgeville. He is also survived by his brother in law, Don (Dianne) McVay and sister in law, Sarah McVay and nieces and nephew. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his father in law, Ralph McVay, mother in law, Elsie McVay and his brother in law, Gary McVay.

Funeral services celebrating Dick's life will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where a Firefighter memorial will be at the conclusion of the service.  We invite all who knew and loved Dick to join us in honoring his memory. Friends and family may visit on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, or from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.