JOSEPH KLINKER

1947 - 2024

JOSEPH KLINKER Joseph (Joe) Mark Klinker died quietly on February 25th, 2024 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin after many years of declining health. He spent his last days with visits and calls from his friends and loved ones. Joe was born on October 1st, 1947 to Harvey Walter Klinker and Caroline Gertrude Klinker (Jaschke) in Little Falls, MN. He was raised in Finland, MN and graduated from William Kelley High School in Siver Bay, MN in 1965. He married Lois Bertha Puent on July 21st,1967 and they resided in Two Harbors for 34 years. Joe worked as an electrician much of his life, beginning with an apprenticeship and then working for Reserve Mining in Silver Bay, MN and later La Bounty Manufacturing in Two Harbors. MN. He became a master electrician and contractor and owned his own business for several years. In 2001, they moved to Underwood, MN after purchasing Maple Leaf Resort to pursue their dreams. Joe was a man of simple pleasures; he wasn't fancy. Joe's favorite things included hunting, fishing, wood working, and working his farm. He passed his love of animals and the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. Joe went on several hunting trips with his grandsons, teaching them about guns and bows. He took his granddaughters to horse shows, sharing his wealth of equine knowledge. But of all the things Joe loved, he loved God and his family best. Left to celebrate his life are his children Lori (Kevin), Heather (Joel), and Tara (Travis); grandchildren Haley (Auke), Zane (Luisa), Zakary (Bayley), Caroline, Caleb, Sam, and Thaddeus; great-grandchild Liam (Zane and Luisa); siblings Nancy (Francis), James (Diane), Charles, Rosemary (Ronald), Barbara (William) Dorothy, Theresa (James), Michael (Teri), Thomas (Elaine), and Anthony (Laura), plus two sisters-in-law; and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Klinker; his parents, Harvey and Caroline Klinker; and an infant brother. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 2pm at Maple Leaf Resort in Underwood, MN