James Klinger

James “Jim” R. Klinger, 92, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Monday, June 24, 2024.  Jim was born on February 24, 1932 on his family's farmstead near Platteville, the son of Clarence and Thelma (Patten) Klinger.  

Jim graduated from Platteville High School.  On October 29, 1953 he was united in marriage to Julie Doser at St. Mary's, Platteville.  Jim was a lifelong farmer in Platteville.  Farming was his life, and he often expanded their harvest by farming additional land beyond the family farm.  Their many years together on the Klinger farm were filled with “Kids, Kows and Korn.”  When he could he liked to do a little fishing and go to antique auctions with Julie.  He frequently enjoyed socializing over coffee with his many friends at Country Kitchen and McDonald's.  He loved playing a good game of cards his entire life. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 70 years, Julie; seven children, Jan (Terry) Wunderlin, Mary Klinger, Joe Klinger, Jill (Terry) Leytem, Sally (John) Magby, Kathy (Gary) Klein, and Linda (Chris) Stombaugh; 23 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sister Sarah Doser FSE, Kerry McCabe and Katie Klinger; along with many nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Paul and John, brother-in-law Tom Doser, sisters-in-law Judy Doser and Opal Klinger, great-grandchildren, Henry Heller and Brady Heller.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:40 AM, where there will be a rosary prayed at 10:40 AM.  The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jim Klinger Memorial Fund.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.