Person Page - 378

     Francis Albert Klinger is also referred to as Frank A. Klinger in some sources.¹ He was born on 19 May 1865, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.^1,2,3 He was the son of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Sometime between 1880 and 1891, Francis or Frank moved to Iowa. His obituary says it was during the "late 80's." In 1891 he married in Iowa and all of his children were born there.^4,5 Francis Albert Klinger married Ellen Augusta Miller, daughter of Charles J. Miller and Elizabeth Theirer, on 7 May 1891, Buchanan County, IA.^6,7 Francis Albert Klinger died on 9 December 1942, Mercy Hospital, Oelwein, Fayette County, IA, at age 77.^8,6,9
Newspaper obituary:
Francis Klinger of Fairbank Dies
Longtime Business Man; Funeral Saturday.
Courier Special News Service
Fairbank, Ia. -- Francis A. Klinger, 77, one of the last two survivors of Fairbank business men of the early 90's, and who was well-known in Buchanan and adjacent counties, died Wednesday evening at Mercy hospital, Oelwein, where he was taken that day following a heart attack.
He was born in Klingerstown, Pa., a town named by his ancestors, on May 19, 1865, son of Albert [David] and Barbara Klinger and came with his brother, Otis, to this, locality in the late 80's and established a general merchandise store at the county crossroads, which developed into an inland village with a postoffice, and is known as Klinger, Ia.
For many years he was associated with George Lamb in the Lamb and Klinger store in Fairbank.
On May 7, 1891, he married Miss Ellen Miller, daughter of Charles J. Miller, Sr., and Elizabeth Miller, pioneers in the Wapsie valley territory. To this union were born one son, Leo, St. Charles, Ill., and two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Klenzman, Oelwein, and Mrs. Frances Corcoran, Fairbank, all of whom survive.
In 1903 the Klinger family moved to Minnesota to engage in farming near Nashua, Minn., and four years later they returned to Fairbank, where Mr. Klinger assumed charge of the Chapman Lumber company office. After holding this position for 35 years and having been active in business here over 50 years, he retired.
He served with the town council for a number of years and was appointed mayor to fill out an unexpired term two years ago.
Funeral mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Fairbank at 9:30 a. m. Saturday, with burial in the church cemetery.
The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 11 Dec 1942, Fri, Page 5.⁵
He was buried on 12 December 1942, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Fairbank, Fayette County, IA.^1,9

     Otis Wilson Klinger is also referred to as Oscar Klinger in some sources.¹ He was born on 2 June 1867, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3 He was the son of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Otis Wilson Klinger married Frances Barbara Gansert, daughter of Frederick Grass Gansert and Caroline Susan Hummer, on 11 February 1890, Black Hawk County, IA.^4,5 Otis Wilson Klinger married Jeanette Eyestone, daughter of Amos Lundy Eyestone and Flora McDonald, on 25 September 1906, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA.^6,7 Otis Wilson Klinger married Grace North, daughter of Frank North and Sarah Booth, on 27 February 1910, Black Hawk County, IA.⁸ Otis Wilson Klinger died on 18 August 1950, Ferryville, Crawford County, WI, at age 83.^6,9
Newspaper obituary:
OTIS KLINGER
FERRYVILLE, Wis. -- (Special) -- Funeral services for Otis Wilson Klinger, 83, who died Aug. 18 at the home of his son Fred at Ferryville, were held Tuesday in the Ferryville church, the Rev. H. M. Finstad officiating. Burial was in the Ferryville cemetery.
He was born in Klingerstown, Pa., June 2, 1867, the son of David and Barbara Klinger. He married three times, all three wives preceding him in death. Of the 10 children by the three marriages, nine survive. They are four sons, Frederick, Percy and Otis, Jr., of Ferryville and William of Fredericka, Ia; and five daughters, Mrs. W. J. Harris, Waterloo, Ia., Mrs. Albert Cobb, Jessup, Ia., Mrs. Ray Hackett, Savanna, Ill., Mrs. Howard Peck, Waterloo, and Mrs. James Johnston, Ferryville. A son, George, preceded him in death.
The La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wisconsin), 25 Aug 1950, Fri, Page 13.⁹
He was buried at Ferryville Cemetery, Ferryville, Crawford County, WI.³

     Alexander W. Klinger was born on 15 July 1875, Mahantongo Township, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3 He was the son of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Alexander W. Klinger married Barbara Sedora Williard, daughter of Harrison Williard and Barbara Snyder.^4,5 On October 25, 1912, Alexander Klinger pleaded guilty in Dauphin County court to involuntary manslaughter in causing the death of Samuel P. Erdman, in a bar fight in the Erdman Hotel on August 28, 1911. He was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison, but he was released several months early because of good behavior. Reportedly, on his release, Klinger vowed never to touch liquor again.
Originally, reports of the fight varied, but one newspaper story included witness accounts:
HOTEL OWNER SAW MURDER
W. A. Kessler Witnessed Fatal Fight At Erdman
POLITICS CAUSE OF CRIME
Both Klinger, the Prisoner, and Erdman, the Victim, Were Candidates for School Director On Same Ticket and In Discussing Their Candidacies Both Men Became Incensed.
Politics precipitated the fatal fight Saturday evening, August 26, at the Erdman hotel, Erdman, Dauphin county, between Samuel Erdman and Alexander Klinger, two Schuylkill countians. As a result one man is dead, the other in prison and two counties stirred up over the question of ownership of the accused man.
Tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock is the time set for the hearing of Klinger before Squire Tobias Klinger at Gratz. It has been decided to have the hearing up-county because it is easier to take Klinger there than it is to bring the witnesses to Harrisburg. That the fatal blow was struck in self-defense will be the ground on which Klinger's attorneys will make the fight for his life. The true story of the inception of the fight was not learned until to-day. The following version is the one that William A. Kessler, proprietor of the Erdman hotel, will tell and what Klinger's jury will hear:
Erdman drove up to the hotel early Saturday evening and after purchasing a drink took a seat on the porch, where he was joined fifteen minutes later by Klinger. Their conversation naturally drifted on politics, both being candidates for the Republican nomination for School Director in their township.
Personalities entered into the political discussion, but neither lost his head. They sat for an hour, then went inside to get a drink. Elbows crooked on the bar, politics were not forgotten; the discussion continued.
"Oh, well," Klinger was heard to say, "I wouldn't care at all, if you hadn't made me pay that lumber bill twice."
"I never made you pay a bill twice," Erdman retorted.
"Whoever says that is a ____ ____ liar.'
Blow Fell Short.
No sooner had Klinger ripped out the oath than Erdman, according to the witnesses, made a pass at him. The blow fell short and then Klinger was on Erdman and they rolled to the floor. They were pulled apart. Neither was hurt, though several blows were exchanged. Klinger got on his feet and stood by the bar.
Looking around a moment later he saw Erdman crawling towards him on the floor, coming on hands and knees. Then Klinger lifted his right foot and delivered a crushing blow on the crawling man's right shoulder, caving it in.
Death occurred the ensuing Tuesday night from congestion of the lungs. How Klinger fled, putting the brand of guilt on himself, remained at his brother's in Shamokin and several days later gave himself up, has already been told. Klinger's defense, it is understood, will be that he thought Erdman was coming to attack him again and that he kicked him to save himself.
Edward E. Beidleman up until 2 o'clock this afternoon, had not been retained as counsel for Klinger, though the arrested man had sent for him. Later Mr. Beidleman called on Klinger. The trial will take place in Dauphin county, though it is hardly likely that it will be held next September, as there are already four murder cases listed. A Coroner's jury yesterday rendered a verdict that Erdman came to his death from a blow or blows received at the hands of Klinger.
Harrisburg Daily Independent, 05 Sep 1911, Tue, Pages 1, 7.
Klinger was eventually charged with murder but, as noted, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. In jail while awaiting trial, Klinger attempted suicide by cutting his wrists with pieces of a broken mirror, but the cuts did not prove serious.
Both Klinger and Erdman were residents of Schuylkill County, and Erdman actually died there, but the fight causing the fatal injuries occurred in Dauphin County. This led to a jurisdictional squabble between the two counties, as neither county wanted to be charged with handling the matter. As one newspaper article explained:
"A nice question of law enters into the controversy. Section 48 of the Penal Code provides that "to obviate any difficulty as to where the alleging of a crime takes place" each county shall have jurisdiction 500 yards on the opposite side of the boundary line. That is, any felony committed within 500 yards of a county line, that county has the power of calling the criminal to account.
"It is a fact that the Erdman hotel, where the fight took place, is about 200 yards from the Schuylkill county line, being situated in Dauphin county." Officials from both counties argued that the other should try the case. Eventually, the matter was taken over by Dauphin County.^{6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13} Alexander W. Klinger died on 1 November 1945, Lykens Township, Dauphin County, PA, at age 70.^1,3
Newspaper obituaries:
A. W. Klinger Dies At Lykens Township Home
A. W. Klinger, resident of Lykens Township past 28 years, died Thursday at his home one mile west of Gratz. 'He was 70 years of age and a member of St. Michael's Reformed Church, Klingerstown.
Surviving are his wife, the former Barbara Williard; three daughters, Mrs. Roy Shade and Ray Hartman, of near Gratz; Mrs. William Wiest, Klingerstown; twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Tuesday from the residence, with burial in the Klingerstown cemetery. Rev. Walter E. Boyer, Reformed minister of Leck Kill, will officiate. The body. may be viewed at the residence from 7 to 9 p. m. Monday,
The Daily Item, November 3, 1945, Page 2.

A. W. KLINGER
A. W. Klinger, age 70 years, died at his home in Lykens Township, near Gratz, Thursday. He was a member of the Klingerstown Reformed Church.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Barbara Weist Klinger, three daughters, Maude, Mrs. William Weist, of Klingerstown; Alice, Mrs. Roy Shade, Gratz; Tillie, Mrs. Ray Hartman, of Gratz; twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one brother, Otis Klinger, of Waterboro[Waterloo ?], Iowa.
Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, with the Rev. Walter Boyer officiating. Interment was made in the Klingerstown Cemetery.
Elizabethville Echo, November 8, 1945, Page 1.^14,15
He was buried on 6 November 1945, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.^16,3

     Johannes Klinger was born on 17 July 1857. He was the son of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Johannes Klinger died on 15 June 1861, at age 3.¹ He was buried at Fairview Cemetery, Williamstown, Dauphin County, PA.²

     Preston Wiest Klinger was born on 22 March 1856, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.^4,5,3 He was the son of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest.³ Preston Wiest Klinger married Emma L. Aunspach, daughter of Jonathan Aunspach and Leah Miller.⁶ Preston Wiest Klinger died on 8 December 1931, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 75.^3,4,1 He was buried on 12 December 1931, at Union Cemetery, Pillow, Jordan Township, Northumberland County, PA.^7,3
Newspaper obituary:
Preston Klinger Former Resident, Died Last Week
Retired Employe of H. S. Zimmerman Company Was Buried Saturday With Services at Home in Hepler.
Funeral services for the late Preston Klinger, former resident and employe of H. S. Zimmerman Wholesale Company, was held from the home of the deceased at Hepler last Saturday.
The body was taken to Uniontown for burial in the family plot.
The deceased is survived by a wife and several children. He was widely known thruout the district, having served the local wholesale company for 32 years.
Shamokin Daily News (Shamokin, Pennsylvania), 15 Dec 1931, Tue, Page 7.⁸

     Amelia Klinger also went by the name of Mele.¹ She was born on 16 September 1851, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3 She was the daughter of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Amelia Klinger married Elias Paul Daniel, son of Elias Wagner Daniel and Catherine Paul. In February, 1900, the widowed Amelia sold her property in Klingerstown, in preparation for moving to Iowa. On February 27, 1900, Amelia and "her son and daughter left for Waterloo, Iowa, where they intend to make their home."^4,5 On June 1, 1900, Amelia and three of her children, Vesta (25), Wilmer (16) and Austin (11) were living with her distant cousin Mary Ann Steely, in Waterloo, IA. Mary Ann, who was married to John M. Steely, was born in Klingerstown, PA, in 1839, a daughter of Henry Haffa (1811-1905) and Elizabeth Wiest Haffa (1814-1857). Henry or Heinrich Haffa was a descendant of Elizabeth van der Sluiss (Vanderslice) Haffa, a daughter of Eva Elizabeth Klinger and Jacob van der Sluiss. Eva Elizabeth, who married Gideon Williamson, was a daughter of Alexander Klinger and Anna Elizabeth Geiss.
The 1900 US Census indicates that Amelia had given birth to 6 children, all of whom were then living.⁶ Amelia Klinger died on 13 July 1913, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA, at age 61.^3,7,2
Newspaper obituary:
MRS. DANIEL DIED SUNDAY
BRAIN HEMORRHAGE PROVED FATAL IN FEW HOURS.
Remains Will Be Taken to Pennsylvania for Interment.
Mrs. Amelia Daniel, aged 61, died at 11 o'clock Sunday forenoon from hemorrhage of the brain, with which she was stricken at 10 o'clock Saturday night. Three hours after the attack she lost consciousness and remained thus until the end. Death occurred at 210 Franklin street.
Amelia Klinger was born In Schuylkill county, Pa., Sept. 16, 1851. She married E. P. Klinger [Daniel], who died twenty-three years ago. These children survive the union: Mrs. Joe Steely, Elmer, Sadie, Wilmer, Austin, of Waterloo; Howard of British Columbia. Brothers and sisters are: Frank Klinger, Fairbank; Otis, Waterloo; Mrs. D. M. Tobias, Dike; Mrs. Kate Erdman, Larned, Kan; Preston, Shamokin, Pa; Calvin and Alex Klinger and Mrs. Jacob Erdman, Klingerstown, Pa. The father, D. S. Klinger, aged 85, also lives at Klingerstown, Pa.
A brief funeral service will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock at the home, conducted by Rev. J. M. Bamford. The remains will be taken in the afternoon to Schuylkill county, Pa., for burial.
The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 14 Jul 1913, Mon, Page 11.³
She was buried on 18 July 1913, at Salem Church, Rough and Ready, Schuylkill County, PA.⁸

     Barbara Jane Klinger was born on 28 December 1853.^1,2 She was the daughter of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Barbara Jane Klinger married David Merkel Tobias, son of Johannes W. Tobias and Sarah Merkel. Barbara Jane Klinger died on 31 May 1917, at age 63.² She was buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Dike, Grundy County, IA.²

     Catharine Klinger is also referred to as Katherine in some sources. She was born on 8 April 1863, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.^1,2 She was the daughter of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Some sources record that Catharine Klinger was born in 1866.³ She married William B. Erdman, son of Elias Erdman and Fromena Brown.³ At the time of the 1895 Kansas State Census, Katherine, William, and 4 of their children (Charles, Buelah, Raleigh, and Ruby) were living in Larned, Pawnee County, KS.⁴ At the time of the 1900 Census, Katherine or Katie was widowed and living in Walnut Township, Pawnee County, KS, as head of a household that included 4 children, Beulah, Raleigh, Ruby, and William. All of her children but Beulah were born in Kansas, suggesting that she and her husband William must have moved to Kansas between about 1885 and 1892. Also included in her household was Gabriel E. Starr, who would become the husband of her daughter, Beulah.² Catharine Klinger married Emil S. Carlson before 1930. In 1930, Katherine was living with her husband, Emil Carlson, in a household headed by Emil's son Albert E. Carlson. Katherine's grandson, Woodrow Bay, mistakenly listed as Albert's "step-brother," lived with them.⁵ Catharine Klinger died on 21 February 1939, Harvey County, KS, at age 75.¹ She was buried at Larned Cemetery, Larned, Pawnee County, KS.¹

     Christiana Klinger is also referred to as Christina in some sources.¹ She was born on 9 July 1861, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.² She was the daughter of David S. Klinger and Barbara Merkel Wiest. Christiana Klinger married Jacob Joseph Erdman, son of Jacob W. Erdman and Catharine Seitz.³ Christiana Klinger died on 20 June 1932, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 70.^4,5,6 She was buried on 23 June 1932, at Saint Michael's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.^4,6
Newspaper obituary:
Mrs. Christina Erdman
Mrs. Christina Erdman, widow of the late Jacob Erdman, died Monday June 20th at 8:30 a. m., at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Postmaster and Mrs. Walter Davis at Klingerstown.
A daughter of David and Barbara Klinger, she was born at Klingerstown, July 9th, 1861. The following children survive: Ira and John of Valley View; Leo, of Ashland: Abel of Shamokin; William and Miles Erdman and Mrs. Walter Davis of Klingerstown. Twenty-five grandchildren also survive. Her husband preceded her to the grave December 11, 18[99].
Funeral services were held yesterday from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis followed by services in Klingerstown Lutheran and Reformed Church in charge of the pastor J. E. Beam. Burial was made in Klingerstown Cemetery.
Lykens Register (Lykens, Pennsylvania), 24 Jun 1932, Fri, Page 2.⁷

     Marie Loraine Klinger was born on 2 November 1925, Gratz, Dauphin County, PA.^1,2,3 She was the daughter of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed. Marie Loraine Klinger was baptized on 24 January 1926, Simeon Lutheran Church, Gratz, Dauphin County, PA.² She and Robert W. Andrews obtained a marriage license on 14 July 1951 Dauphin County, PA; Newspaper article:
LYKENS MAN TO MARRY
Robert W. Nutt 30 Lykens and Marie L. Klinger 25, Harrisburg obtained a marriage license in Dauphin county Saturday.⁴ Marie Loraine Klinger married Robert W. Andrews, son of Myron F. Nutt and Caroline Susan Harman, circa August 1951.^5,4 Marie Loraine Klinger died on 9 December 2021, at age 96.³
Newspaper obituary:
Marie Andrews
1925 - 2021
Marie Loraine Andrews of Harrisburg, formerly of Gratz and Lykens, passed away on December 9, 2021. She is survived by her two sons, Bruce (Carole) Andrews and Robert (Donna) Andrews, four grandchildren, Jeremy (Ally) Andrews, Caitlin (Sean) Bednarz, Elyse (Chad) Whiting, and Joelle (Mike) Falci, and eight great grandchildren, Ian and Kiersten Andrews, Maia and Brooks Bednarz, Luca and Alessio Falci, and Emma and Liam Whiting. Marie is also survived by her sister-in-laws Jeanne Klinger and Au Klinger, and her many nieces and nephews. Marie was born November 2, 1925 in Gratz, PA and was a graduate of Lykens High School, the University of Pennsylvania nursing school, and Shippensburg University. She spent most of her working years at the Central Dauphin School District as a school nurse, primarily at Northside and Paxtonia Elementary Schools. Marie lived life to the fullest. She loved her grandchildren and was a large part of their upbringing. Everyone called grandma their best friend and confidante. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her children and grandchildren. She loved her brothers and sister-in-laws and enjoyed traveling to see the ones who lived outside of the area. She enjoyed many other travel adventures with her family and friends. Marie lived an unselfish life, always giving to others. Over the years, she spent many weekends in Lykens with relatives, supporting them and participating in the many activities and adventures there, including the annual Christmas Santa truck that her family started over 80 years ago. Marie will be sorely missed by her family and friends. A life well lived is the most exquisite work of art, and Marie's life was a masterpiece. Marie was a longtime supporter of the Central PA Blood Bank, and we encourage everyone to make donations in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie's memory to Homeland Center at 1901 North 5th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, Attention: Development Office. There will be a Memorial Service at Homeland Center at the convenience of the family. Burial will be private. www.pennlive.com/obits
Published by Patriot-News from Dec. 15 to Dec. 16, 2021.³

     Robert James Klinger was born on 3 September 1928, Dauphin County, PA.^1,2 He was the son of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed. Robert James Klinger married Jeanne Alice Wertz, daughter of Albert Clarence Wertz and Mildred Irene Sultzbaugh, on 4 October 1952, Evangelical Reformed Church, Elizabethville, Dauphin County, PA.³ Robert James Klinger died on 29 August 1984, Lykens, Dauphin County, PA, at age 55.^2,4,5
Newspaper obituary:
Robert J. Klinger Robert J. Klinger, 55, who was the Santa on Klinger's Santa Claus truck for 43 years, died Wednesay in his home. The Santa appearances were made throughout the Lykens area.
Mr. Klinger, of 418 W. Main St., Lykens, was in ill health. He was a son of Richard and Helen Reed Klinger, Lykens.
He was owner of Klinger's Repair Service.
Mr. Klinger was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Lykens United Methodist Church, Liberty Hose Company No. 2, Lykens, Dauphin County, Cumberland Valley and Pennsylvania Firemen's associations, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gratz, John Yanoscak American Legion Post 124, Lykens, Moose Lodge, Millersburg, Lykens Minstrel Association, Back Street Hornblowers, and a member and past president of Lykens High School Alumni Association. He was a 1946 graduate of Lykens High School.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his wife, the former Jeanne A. Wertz; three daughters, Stacie Chubb, Halifax, Jaime Kogan, West Chester, and Lisa Hubler, Lykens; a son, Craig, at home; three grandsons; a sister, Marie Andrews, Harrisburg; three brothers, Richard, Lykens, David, Middietown, R.I., and Donald, Frankfurt, Germany.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday from John M. Shultz Funeral Home, Lykens. The Rev. Lloyd Shellenberger will officiate. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville.
Pottsville Republican, August 30, 1984, Page 2.⁶ He was buried on 1 September 1984, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville, Dauphin County, PA.^2,5

     Richard Earl Klinger was born on 27 June 1930, Lykens, Dauphin County, PA.^1,2,3 He was the son of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed. Richard Earl Klinger married Audrey I. Eiler, daughter of James Howard Eiler and Irene Seip, on 2 June 1953, Zion Lutheran Church, Lykens, Dauphin County, PA.^1,4 Richard Earl Klinger died on 1 October 2011, Harrisburg Hospital, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA, at age 81.¹
Newspaper obituary:
LYKENS- Richard E. Klinger, age 81, of Lykens, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Harrisburg Hospital. Richard was born at Lykens to the late Richard R. and Helen I. Reed Klinger; he was also preceded in death by his wife Audrey I. Eiler Klinger.
He was a 1948 graduate of the former Lykens High School and also Elizabethtown College where he received his teaching degree. Richard was a member of Liberty Hose Co. No. 2 of the Lykens and the Liberty Hose No. 2 Band, Dauphin County Vol. Firemen's Assoc., St. Christopher Evangelical Lutheran Church Lykens and the Church Choir, Masonic Lodge #570 F&AM of Lykens, Zembo Temple Harrisburg, Gratz VFW Post 2385, Lykens American Legion Post 124, The Lykens Minstrel Assoc., and The Back Street Horn Blowers. He was past President of the Lykens Borough Council and past Board Member of the former Miners Bank of Lykens. Richard was also the owner of the former Lykens Valley Motors , the Lykens Bowling Alley and co-owner of Klinger's Repair. Richard was the second generation of Klinger's to sponsor and run the Santa Floats on Christmas Eve in Lykens. He also enjoyed spending time in "The Room". Richard was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War where he proudly served on the U.S.S. Wisconsin.
Richard is survived by a son Richard E. and his wife Jeanmarie of Lykens and daughter Becky I. and her husband Joel Davies of Lebanon, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather to all.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Christopher Evangelical Lutheran Church, 635 North Second Street, Lykens, Pa., with the Rev Kathleen Kuehl, officiating. Viewing will be from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service. Interment with full military honors will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville, Pa. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to his church. John R. Shultz Funeral Home, Lykens has charge of the arrangements.
The Patriot-News, October 3, 2011, Page 6.⁵
He was buried on 6 October 2011, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville, Dauphin County, PA.¹

     David Calvin Klinger was born on 25 January 1940, Lykens, Dauphin County, PA.^1,2 He was the son of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed. David Calvin Klinger married Marilyn Lucille Nutt, daughter of William Nutt and Blanche Bolt, in 1964.² David Calvin Klinger died on 24 December 2020, at age 80.²
Newspaper obituary:
David C. Klinger
1940 - 2020
David Calvin Klinger, 80, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on December 24, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn (Nutt) Klinger and they enjoyed 56 years together in marriage. The son of Richard and Helen (Reed) Klinger, he was predeceased by his brothers Richard and Robert of Lykens, PA and Donald of Henderson, NV. He is survived by his sister Marie (Klinger) Andrews of Harrisburg, PA, his son David and wife Pamela of Madison, AL as well as his daughter Karolyn (Welch) and husband Michael of Framingham, MA.
He was especially proud of his six cherished grandchildren Sarah and Richard Klinger of Madison, AL and Kevin, David, Alison, and Amber Welch of Framingham, MA.
Born in Lykens, PA on January 25, 1940, Mr. Klinger spent his childhood years in Lykens before enrolling in Penn State University. After participating in the ROTC program and graduating with a degree in Engineering, Mr. Klinger began a distinguished 30-year career as a commissioned officer in the Submarine Service of the U.S. Navy. His initial service started in 1961 on the destroyers U.S.S. Norris and U.S.S. Agerholm, where he quickly rose through the ranks and was selected to complete Nuclear Power School training in California (where he met Marilyn). In 1965 he was deployed on the U.S.S. Francis Scott Key, a nuclear submarine based out of Groton, CT, followed by submarine assignments on the U.S.S. Seahorse (1968-71, Navigator) in Charleston, SC and the U.S.S. George C. Marshall (1973-77, Lt. Commander). From 1977-81 Mr. Klinger was Commander and Captain of the ballistic nuclear submarine U.S.S. Sam Houston based out of Pearl Harbor, HI and Bangor, WA.
Mr. Klinger's career continued as a Captain and Operations Officer at the U.S. Embassy in London, UK (1981-84), and in the War Gaming Department of the Naval War College in Newport, RI (1984-88). He was next appointed to Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Base in La Maddalena, Italy (1988-90) before finishing his naval career as Captain at the Center for Naval Warfare Studies at the Naval War College (1991).
Mr. Klinger spent his next 27 years of retirement in San Diego, CA, where he and Marilyn spent many years proudly hosting and entertaining visitors from all over the country and the world in their beautiful home overlooking San Diego Bay. He loved working on and improving his home, and took great pride in hosting annual visits from his children, grandchildren, and many relatives. During his retirement, he continued his lifelong love of numismatics and contributed many articles to scholarly journals chronicling the origins of coins from around the world. He also completed 15 annual cross country treks in his modified camper van and to coin conventions where he was a respected authority and contributor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lykens & Wiconisco Historical Society.
Published in Newport Daily News from Dec. 31, 2020 to Jan. 5, 2021.²

     Donald Martin Klinger was born on 12 December 1942.^1,2 He was the son of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed. Donald Martin Klinger died on 28 May 2020, at age 77.^3,2 He was buried at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Clark County, NV.²

     Marilyn Lucille Nutt was born in 1938.¹ She was the daughter of William Nutt and Blanche Bolt.¹ Marilyn Lucille Nutt married David Calvin Klinger, son of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed, in 1964.² Marilyn Lucille Nutt died on 1 January 2021.¹
Newspaper obituary:
Marilyn L. Klinger
Marilyn Lucille (Nutt) Klinger, 82, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2021. She was the devoted wife of David Calvin Klinger and they enjoyed 56 years together in marriage prior to his death just one week before hers. Marilyn was the only daughter of William and Blanche (Bolt) Nutt, and she was predeceased by her brothers, William, Donald, and Maxson of Quincy, Illinois; and Edward of Bettendorf, Iowa.
Marilyn is survived by her son David and wife Pamela of Madison, AL; as well as her daughter, Karolyn (Welch) and husband Michael of Framingham, MA. She was especially proud of her six grandchildren, Sarah and Richard Klinger of Madison, AL, and Kevin, David, Alison, and Amber Welch of Framingham, MA.
Marilyn grew up in Quincy, Illinois and ventured to San Diego, California in her 20's to live with her Aunt Lucille and Uncle Orville and to experience a new way of life. It was there she met her future husband, David C. Klinger. This began a 56 year union in which Marilyn worked extremely hard to provide a steady, supportive home for her family while Dave's 30 year career as a naval officer took them all over the world. She would frequently find herself managing the daily needs of her children during the day and then quickly transitioning to the societal entertainment expectations o f a Naval officer's wife, which occasionally included formal affairs such as an admiral's ball. The challenges of military moves and long intervals of deployment at sea were often balanced and rewarded by experiencing other cultures, climates, and ways of life. Marilyn was always able to adapt and embrace these new odysseys with a sense of adventure and openness.
Upon Dave's retirement in 1993, Marilyn and Dave returned to San Diego to help care for Orville (Lucille had passed away just before they arrived) 30 years after she had originally moved in with her aunt and uncle. She spent the next 27 years there proudly hosting and entertaining visitors from all over the country and the world in their beautiful and impeccably maintained home overlooking San Diego Bay. Compassion and service to others were a hallmark of everyone's interactions with Marilyn.
Published by Herald-Whig on Jan. 4, 2021.¹

     Audrey I. Eiler was born on 28 April 1931.² She was the daughter of James Howard Eiler and Irene Seip.² Audrey I. Eiler married Richard Earl Klinger, son of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed, on 2 June 1953, Zion Lutheran Church, Lykens, Dauphin County, PA.^1,3 Audrey I. Eiler died on 16 August 2011, Good Samaritan Health System, Lebanon, Lebanon County, PA, at age 80.^2,1
Newspaper obituary:
Lykens- Audrey I. Klinger, age 80, Cornwall, PA formerly of Lykens, PA passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Good Samaritan Health System, Lebanon, PA. She was born April 28, 1931, daughter of the late James and Irene Seip Eiler.
Audrey was a 1949 graduate of the former Lykens High School; a member of St. Christopher Evangelical Lutheran Church; Red Hat Society; Glen Chapter No. 425, Order Of The Eastern Star and enjoyed cooking especially for her family. Mrs. Claus always had a meal ready for Santa's Helpers when they returned on Christmas Eve.
She is survived by her husband: Richard E. Klinger Cornwall, a son: Richard E. Klinger and his wife Jeanne, Lykens, a daughter: Becky I. Dazies and her husband Joel, Lebanon, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 20th, at St. Christopher Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Kathleen Kuehl, officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m., until the time of the service Saturday, at the church.
Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to her church, 635 North Second St., Lykens, PA 17048.
John R. Shultz Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. www.pennlive.com/obits
The Patriot-News, August 18, 2011, Page 15.⁴
She was buried on 20 August 2011, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville, Dauphin County, PA.²

     Jeanne Alice Wertz was born on 14 January 1932, Elizabethville, Dauphin County, PA.^3,1 She was the daughter of Albert Clarence Wertz and Mildred Irene Sultzbaugh.² Jeanne Alice Wertz married Robert James Klinger, son of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed, on 4 October 1952, Evangelical Reformed Church, Elizabethville, Dauphin County, PA.⁴ Jeanne Alice Wertz died on 12 April 2022, Lykens, Dauphin County, PA, at age 90.⁵
Funeral home obituary:
Jeanne A. Klinger
January 14, 1932 ~ April 12, 2022 (age 90)
Jeanne A. Klinger, 90, of Lykens, passed away Tuesday evening, April 12, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.
Born in Elizabethville, January 14, 1932, a daughter of the late Albert and Mildred Sultzbaugh Wertz.
Jeanne worked as air personality "Jumpin Jeanne" at the former WQIN Radio Station and also had been a bank teller at the Miners Bank of Lykens. She was a member of Lykens United Methodist Church.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Klinger, 1984; a sister Bette Kupp and a brother, Jacque Wertz.
Surviving are her four children; Stacey Chubb (Jeff), Harrisburg, Jaime Kogan (Bruce), Mechanicsburg, Lisa Hubler-Burger (Scott), Lykens and Craig Klinger (Robin), Hackensack, NJ. Seven grandchildren, Jason, Nathan, Tyler, Bob, Mark, Matthew and Madison, and 11 great grandchildren.
Following Jeanne's wishes she will be laid to rest privately at the convenience of her family in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville with Rev. Dr. Lori Betsworth officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Friends of Lykens - Summer Concerts, checks payable to Lykens Chamber, P.O. Box 202, Lykens, PA 17048 earmarked in memory of Jeanne Klinger, or to St. Jude's Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve the Klinger family. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com.⁵
She was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville, Dauphin County, PA.⁵

     Robert W. Andrews is also referred to as Robert W. Nutt in some sources.² He was born on 27 March 1921, Lykens, Dauphin County, PA.^3,4 He was the son of Myron F. Nutt and Caroline Susan Harman.¹ Robert W. Andrews and Marie Loraine Klinger obtained a marriage license on 14 July 1951 Dauphin County, PA; Newspaper article:
LYKENS MAN TO MARRY
Robert W. Nutt 30 Lykens and Marie L. Klinger 25, Harrisburg obtained a marriage license in Dauphin county Saturday.² Robert W. Andrews married Marie Loraine Klinger, daughter of Richard Roosevelt Klinger and Helen Irene Reed, circa August 1951.^5,2 At some point after his marriage to Marie L. Klinger, he and Marie began using the "Andrews" surname. Robert W. Andrews died before 21 December 1981.⁶

     Margaret Irene Erdman was born on 27 April 1919, Rough & Ready, Schuylkill County, PA.^1,2 She married Mark William Kessler on 28 January 1939, Zion (Klinger's) Church, Erdman, Dauphin County, PA.³ Margaret Irene Erdman died on 26 June 2008, The Manor at Susquehanna Village, Millersburg, Dauphin County, PA, at age 89.²
Newspaper obituary:
Margaret Irene Kessler, age 89, of Gratz, PA, died June 26, 2008 at The Manor at Susquehanna Village.
Margaret was born in Klingerstown RD, PA on April 27, 1919, the daughter of the late Herman and Jennie (Mattern) Erdman.
She was the wife of Mark W. Kessler of Gratz.
She was a graduate of the Pine Park High School, Leck Kill; was a member of Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz and worked as a waitress at Reed's Inn, Gratz.
Surviving are her husband, Mark Kessler of Gratz; three daughters, Violet, wife of Raymond Hartman of Lykens Twp, Virginia, wife of Jack Reed of Gratz, and Debra, wife of Daniel Herley of Valley View; two sons, Mark, husband of Barbara Kessler, Jr. of Brookville, and Ricci, husband of Gloria Kessler of Harrisburg; three sisters, Violet Hoffman of Dornsife, Daisey Drumheller of Klingerstown, and Gerty Stine of Sun Lake, AZ; two brothers, Lester Erdman of Muncy and Marlin Erdman of Halifax. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by on great-grandson, Greg Hartman, and by two brothers, Ernest and Paul Erdman, and two sisters, Ruth Coleman and Arlene Brodner.
Friends are invited to call Monday from 9-11 a.m., at Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz. Religious services will be at 11 a.m., in the church, with Rev. Barry Ridge officiating. Interment at Gratz Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz, PA 17030.
James A. Reed Funeral Home, Pillow, PA, is in charge of the services. www.pennlive.com/obits
Published in the Patriot-News on 6/28/2008.²
She was buried on 30 June 2008, at Union Cemetery, Gratz, Dauphin County, PA.²