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BORN
1955
DIED
2021
Rick Klinger Obituary
He was born on August 12, 1955 to Harold E. Klinger and Irene E. Klinger (Ossman) in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Crystal River and played many sports including his favorite, baseball. He was also an Eagle Scout. Rick was a 1973 graduate of CRHS and then continued on to be a college graduate.
Rick moved back to Crystal River 16 years ago from Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, after a long career in Nuclear Energy. His favorite place to visit was Daytona Beach, Florida. Rick was passionate about his family, many friends, and enjoying life with his wife of 30 years. He was a kind soul with a big heart and was admired and loved by all. He was a drummer, music lover and athlete.
Rick was preceded in death by his father Harold E. Klinger 1984; mother Irene E. Klinger 2015; his sister Diane Palovitz and nephew Marc Palovitz.
Survivors include his wife Carol Klinger of Crystal River, Florida; his daughters Misti Klinger of Crystal River, Florida and Amanda Smith of Ocala, Florida; sisters Carol Almaraz, Pat Ennis, and Bonnie Latz; grandchildren Nathaniel, Isaiah, Donovan, Caleb and Chloe Smith; great grandchild Natalie Smith; as well as nieces and nephews.
Due to certain restrictions at this time, there will not be a public memorial service. His family will be honoring his wishes of cremation and a private memorial. They will also be posting an online video memorial and dedication for all to view and share their thoughts of this amazing man.
Sign the guest book at www.chronicleonline.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rick Klinger
Luther
April 26, 2023
Hard to believe it's been two years. I do miss our friend, his posts on facebook and the conversations we had, from time to time. If there is a band in heaven, he is sitting in on the drum set.
Amanda Smith
June 27, 2021
Dear family and friends, since we were not able to hold a public Memorial Service for Rick Klinger, the family has put together this Video in Celebration of his Life. Please enjoy it and feel free to share your comments & memories.
We would also like to thank you all for your cards, letters and calls of concern, prayers and condolences. These were greatly appreciated and brought us much comfort. Such an outpour of love has been shown for Rick and us all during this difficult time. (video Link below)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Lciacza-NGBehpiRZBKKQcjGV8L3FLA/view?usp=sharing
Jacki Marie
June 19, 2021
LOVE ON YA...was Ricks signature phrase for friends & loved ones. What a guy! He was one of a kind, unique, rare & I have no doubt everyone he touched in his life was enhance by knowing him. I know I will never forget him. Carol is my best friend, & from the 1st time she introduced me to him, I was adopted & treated like a sister.He supported my music, & wore my Jacki Marie T-shirt proudly, just daring any comment from the peanut gallery! What a joy he was to those who knew him! Rick was always true to himself, & I believe if we could view his heart & soul, it would be too large for all of it to be seen! Forever my brother, I will remember you,......Jacki Marie
Marie Dowdle
May 9, 2021
My True Friend ...you will be missed cherished and forever Loved!! You ment so much to me and Many!!! What a Great Blessing you were in my life!!
The fun times , Laughter,& Memories we shared Will NEVER FADE!!!
Some day I'll see you agian when I climb that " Stairway to Heaven" so untill then Rest Easy Big Guy! I want to read some of your poetry on those pearly gates or streets of gold just like you use to do at Oconee Nuclear back when I was 18 LOVE ON YA!
MANY PRAYERS FOR YOUR WIFE ,GIRLS,& FAMILY MEMBERS MAY GOD SEND YOU SOME COMFORT IN THE DAYS TO COME
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Rex Williams
May 9, 2021
I was one of a half-dozen (or more) guys who considered Rick our best friend in high school—he was that kind of guy. He and I did just about everything together—sports, jobs, Boy Scouts, motorcycles, and too much more to list. Almost every weekend I’d get a phone call: “Come on over to the Klinger pad and soak up some tunes.” The most often used word in the reminiscences of his high school friends is “icon,” and he was that even back then. Immensely popular, never a mean word for anyone, warmhearted and even-tempered with a great sense of humor. He had a way of focusing the conversation on the other person, making them feel as if whatever was important to them was important to him, too. He was larger than life.
After reading the affectionate outpourings on Facebook I think I can speak for everyone and say, he enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Rest In Peace, my brother.
Mona and Don
May 3, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. We knew Rick from work at PV. Recently he’d been reinspiring my music and helping me find interesting new bands. The world is missing a wonderful man. Prayers for your family.
Betty Turner
May 2, 2021
Rick was a long time friend and classmate. I remember him from way back riding the same school bus. Through to many conversations here on Facebook.
He was an incredibly intelligent man and a funny guy. We will miss him. Prayers lifted Carol and the family. God bless you all.
Richard LaPeter
May 2, 2021
Rick was a work colleague, softball teammate and friend and was excellent at all. He made everyone around him laugh and feel upbeat. His spirit lives on in his friends and family.
Carl Faul
May 2, 2021
I was so lucky to have met you when I moved to CR. We have shared so many memories over the years. I will miss you my friend.
John A Callender
May 2, 2021
He was my very best friend. I sorely miss him. We shared so many experiences from ATV riding, shooting guns in the desert, pool parties, the list is endless. He provided me with life altering advice, literally, which to this day, I appreciate.
What a big whole in our hearts that he is gone, but will not be forgotten and always missed.
Craig & Tonna Bonhoff
May 2, 2021
One of the best friends you could ask to have! We had so many great times in AZ! Rocky Point, concerts, even at work! I wish I could have gotten down to FL to see him before he passed.
Marie P.Dowdle
May 2, 2021
Rick was surely One AMAZING person . He actually Saved My Life Once when I was 19 !
I've known him sense I was 18 we met at O.N.S. I was a maid he was an Operater.We shared many Great times back then and stayed friends through the Years!! Oh how he will be Missed by Many ❣
What a Joy He was As A True Friend!
My PRAYERS for his FAMILY'S loss and pain.
May God send down showers of Comfort during this time for Y'all!!!
" Love on Ya" Big Rick untill I climb that
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN .... UNTILL WE MEET AGIAN...
Your ole Friend ,Marie Powell Dowdle
Luther Willis
May 2, 2021
Rick has always been a great friend to me. Great memories of him from Scouts, High School and in later years, his posts and comments on facebook. Always upbeat and positive about life and encouraging. He will be missed here on earth, but, we look forward to seeing him and his parents again, in Heaven, when our day comes to depart. God bless and comfort Rick's family.
Leslie Dalton
May 2, 2021
I met Rick at church when I first moved to CR in 1968. He was a scout, my dad was a leader. We went to the CR Methodist Church. He was always nice and kind to me. A little older, I didn't get to see him much in school but we did acknowledge each other in the hallways and I considered him my friend. We have had many good conversations on FB and shared a love of the same kind of music and often picked the same number one song on Mr Ballard's favorite song of the day post. I have missed that already and his passing has left a void in my life
RIP Rick, prayers and blessings to your wife and family..❤
Leslie Bechtel Turner
May 2, 2021
Rick was one of the coolest dudes I've ever known. He was always positive and upbeat, and sure loved his music. Rest in peace, my friend. Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Deborah T Wilson
May 2, 2021
Knew Rick all through high school and graduation. He was a very athletic young man and gave his all to his sports. He could be seen walking the hallways in school strumming his air guitar. Loved his friends . You will truly be missed.
Davis Hair
May 2, 2021
I have known Rick for many years. He will be missed by his family and friends. Rick was a great friend and fun to be around with. Rest in peace my brother. I want to send my condolences to his family. May God bless you all.
Randall Aungst
May 2, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Love and prays for out to your wife and family and miss you always.
Rheuben Hair
May 2, 2021
May God bless Rick and his family. Rick was a true friend. We shared sports, scouts, and friendship in our younger days. May God be with his family and comfort them in this sad time. You will be missed.
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