Bryce Klinger

Bryce Paul Klinger, 77, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by his family at the Fergus Falls Minnesota Veterans Home on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Born on October 23, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bryce was the son of J. Paul and Margaret Susan (Brown) Klinger. Bryce was the youngest of three children, joining his sisters Marilyn Helen Klinger and Diane "Dee" Marie Klinger Billops. In 1964, the family relocated to Oakes, North Dakota, where Bryce would graduate from Oakes High School in 1967.

Later in 1967 Bryce married Phyllis Lamb, and to this union they added two children. Timothy Bryce Klinger, born in 1970, and Tina Marie Klinger Eckhoff, adopted in 1979.

On March 29, 1968, Bryce answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. During this time, the family traveled with Bryce to Georgia and Germany. Bryce served with distinction during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on March 21, 1971, earning The Republic of Vietnam Medal, The Bronze Star, The Vietnam Services Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Army Commendation Medal for his bravery and dedication. Bryce was also the proud recipient of the 101st Airborne Division Challenge Coin featuring the "Screaming Eagle".

Following his military service, Bryce pursued a career in aviation. Bryce attended Kundert Aviation in Fargo, North Dakota, at the Fargo Airport. He earned his Aircraft Maintenance and Powerplant license there. The family lived in Cogswell, North Dakota while Bryce worked at the airport in Britton, South Dakota, moving to Greeley, Colorado, for a time while he worked at that airport. The family settled in Fergus Falls, Minnesota when Bryce took a position with West Central Airways. Later, he became the proud owner of Klinger Aircraft Service, where he combined technical skill with a passion for flight. His work left a lasting impression on those who knew him professionally and personally.

In 1991 Bryce married Joanne Marie Haarstick blending their families in love. Joanne was the love of his life and he cared for her until her passing in 2021. They enjoyed dancing together, travelling and spending time with their growing family.

Bryce found joy in many aspects of life beyond his career. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts, receiving the Oxcart Trail District Cub Scouter of The Year Award in 1981. He cherished time spent outdoors-whether deer hunting with his friends, sons or grandchildren, camping under the stars, or simply enjoying nature's quiet beauty. Above all else, he valued time with family.

Bryce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne Marie Haarstick-Klinger; his parents, J. Paul and Margaret Susan Klinger, and his sister, Marilyn Helen Klinger.

He is lovingly remembered by his family: son Timothy Klinger (Amy Fuchs) of Hastings, Nebraska; daughter Tina Eckhoff (Paul) of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; stepson Troy Haarstick (Teresa) of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota; stepdaughter Tracy Holmes (Tom) of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; stepson Todd Haarstick (April Meyer) of Erhard, Minnesota; and stepson Tory Haarstick (Paula Jean Montag) of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Bryce was most proud of his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; Grandchildren: Tiffani Klinger Stevens, Tayler Thompson-Eckhoff, Allyssa Marie, Ashlyn Eckhoff (Abel Aho), Tristin Klinger (Carly Davis), Shelby Eckhoff, Kailey Goodrich, Easton Eckhoff, W. Shea Fuchs, Colton Fuchs, Zach Albright (Lacey), Josh Holmes (Emily), Sarah Ruiz (Joe), Lana Haarstick, Tyler Haarstick, Amber Haarstick, Heather Haarstick, Alyssa Haarstick, Jason Haarstick, and Blaine Haarstick; Great-Grandchildren: Jayden Stevens, Raiden Stevens, Joslyn Kough, Rhett Kough, Beckett Aho, Alana Kough, Izic Albright, Allen Holmes, Dorothy Holmes, Everly Haarstick, Lennox Ruiz, Gemma Ruiz, Saylor Haarstick, Kinsley Haarstick, Maelynn Lehman, Maverick Lehmann.

He is also survived by his sister, Diane "Dee" Klinger Billops; niece Cynthia Billops; nephews Van Billops and Eric Billops; great-nieces and great-nephews; a host of friends, and his military brothers.

A man of integrity and quiet strength, Bryce leaves behind a legacy rooted in service-to his country, to his community through aviation work and scouting involvement-and most importantly to those he loved.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Federated Church 224 Union Ave. in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Doctor Douglas Dent

Interment: Ringsaker Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, MN

Military Participation: Fergus Falls American Legion Post #30 and Fergus Falls V.F.W. Post #612

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com