Bernard A. Klinger

Bernard A. Klinger 89, Wausau, died Friday, June 1, 2012 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He was born March 23, 1923 in Rocky Ridge, Wis., son of the late John and Anne (Franc) Klinger. On May 20, 1944, he married Regina Czechowicz at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on November 16, 1996. Bernard was a crane operator for Wausau Paper Mills LLC, until his retirement. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed playing the button accordion, building many birdhouses, hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was a member of the Manson Lake Association in Tomahawk and proudly donated a birdhouse to them every year. Survivors include, one son, Gene (Joyce) Klinger, Ringle; two daughters, Janice Klinger and Diane Van Price, both of Oak Creek; four grandchildren, Becky Benaszeski, Wausau, Jason (Marla) Klinger, Cunningham, Tenn., Dawn (Randy) Doerr, Milwaukee and Shawn (Kari) Thomas, Milwaukee; seven great grandchildren, Josh, Justin, Casey, Elise, Kara, Kayla and Shawn Jr.; two sisters, Bernice Strozinski, Mosinee and Betty Hromek, Milwaukee; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Regina, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Sigmund, Frank, Edward and Lawrence Klinger; and one sister, Josephine Sirny. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2012 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com