Robert J. Klinger

Robert J. Klinger, 67, of Orwigsburg, formerly of Pottsville, passed away Monday at Lebanon VA Medical Center.

Born in Pottsville, he was a son of Elizabeth Burke Klinger, Pottsville, and the late John Klinger.

He attended the former Mary Queen of Peace Parochial School and Pottsville High School, where he played football. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, having served a tour in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. He worked for Conrail before taking employment with Dana Corp. He also owned and operated the former Pallet Shop, Pottsville.

He was a member of the former Mary Queen of Peace Church, Pottsville, and maintained membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was also a volunteer at Helping Hands Wildlife Center, North Manheim Township.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, the former Barbara Zachar, on March 1, 2017; two brothers, Jimmy Joe Klinger and Richard Klinger; a sister, Catherine Corson.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are three children, Cindy Smith (spouse, David), Pottsville, Lynn Dierwechter (spouse, Barry), Second Mountain, and Edward Dougherty (spouse, Debbie), Black Heath; six grandchildren, Robert Darosh, Duane Zimmerman Jr., Christina Weikel, Ashley Dinanath, Julie Dougherty and Daniel Dougherty; five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, John Klinger Jr. and Gary Klinger; nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 6 p.m. Sunday at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury St., Minersville. Interment with military honors will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Attendees at the interment should plan to arrive at the cemetery no later than 9:45 a.m. The family prefers donations to the Helping Hands Wildlife Center, 41 E. Second Mountain Road, Pottsville, PA 17901. Visit www.dutcavich.com.

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