Alan E. Kleinschmidt

Alan E. Kleinschmidt, 77, Athens, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022 surrounded by his family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born August 7, 1945 in Wausau, son of the late Edlor and Verna (Bartelt) Kleinschmidt. On June 3, 1972 he married the love of his life Mary J Jirgl in Wausau. They just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Alan was a veteran of the United States Army in the 199th Infantry during the Vietnam War and was honored with the purple heart in 1967 for injuries sustained during his military service. He travelled with his brother Perry on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight XXV on September 12, 2016. Alan was a member of the American Legion Post No. 0469, Marathon.

In his younger years, Alan drove milk truck for this father and continued working as a truck driver for Marth Transportation Inc. in Marathon for over 40 years until his retirement.

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed going out on his Gator into the woods and making firewood. He also loved travelling with his wife, Mary throughout the United States. Alan was a talented wood worker and made many beautifully crafted wood items for Mary to paint on the finishing touches.

Survivors include, his wife, Mary; daughter, Krystal (Corey) Cole, Somerset; Alan was very excited for his first grandson on the way; two siblings, Shirley (Roger) Voelz, Merrill and Perry (Jody) Kleinschmidt, Wausau; and brother-in-law Clarence Plisch, Athens.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Plisch.

A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at The Highground, W7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville, WI 54456.  Rev. Douglas Bjerke will officiate.  Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post No. 73, Neillsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Highground or the American Legion Post 0469, PO Box 516, Marathon, WI 54448.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com