Michael Klink

Michael "Mike" Klink, 73, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away January 18, 2026, He concluded his life peacefully at home, with his favorite person and beloved wife Debra by his side. It was in front of their current residence that he had proposed over 53 years prior. Throughout their marriage, they traveled the world, celebrated life's joys, supported each other through sorrows, and raised five cherished children.

Born in Marshall, Missouri, on September 5, 1952, to Arlene (Dunn) and Mike Klink, he began working at a young age, cutting his teeth running heavy equipment for his father's excavation company, changing much of the contours where many continue to enjoy the lakes of Steuben County. He was a graduate of DeKalb High School's Class of 1970 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tri-State (now Trine) University in 1974.

Upon graduation, he and his bride moved to the Los Angeles area, where he worked on the San Andreas Fault pipeline with Bechtel Engineering. Upon completion of that project, his work with the company took them to San Francisco, where he contributed to the construction of the BART System, and then to Washington D.C., where he served as an engineer on the city's mass transit system.

After a period with a consulting firm in Indianapolis designing major bridge projects in Gary and Indianapolis, he rejoined Bechtel Engineering. This led Mike to Jubail, Saudi Arabia, where he managed the construction of a new university campus. After two and a half years abroad, his enduring passion for entrepreneurship and construction inspired him to establish Klink Concrete alongside his business and life partner, Debra.

Retirement was not in Mike's vocabulary. Having worked from an early age, he embarked on several additional careers. He served as a homeroom monitor at a local high school, where he found fulfillment in encouraging and mentoring youth. Later, his work on the Keystone Pipeline evolved from Project Manager to an outspoken advocate against the environmental repercussions of poor construction. His integrity and willingness to speak out led to an invitation to appear before Congress and speak with various senators. Mike was also requested to testify for the Federal State Department, delivering fact-based reports and evidence to protect the people living alongside that pipeline. This advocacy also earned him a nomination as a "Giraffe Hero" for his courage in sticking his neck out for the well-being of others.

Above all his professional achievements and accolades, Mike's greatest source of pride and joy was his family. To know Mike was to know of the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a new degree, a promotion, the birth of a grandchild, a first word, or a first hit in a game, his family was what fed his soul.

Mike leaves behind an adoring family: his beloved wife, Debra Kay (Tuttle) Klink; his children, Kristen Klink (Andrew Northrop) of Auburn, Kendra Klink of Auburn, Jessica Severino (Anthony) of Chicago, and Simon Klink (Marissa) of Washington D.C. He was the proud grandfather to Greta, Rocco, and Vivienne Severino, and Tillie Klink, who were his world.

He is also survived by his sisters, Brenda Cropper (Dennis) and Margaret DeRosa (Dennis), along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Mike was preceded in death and has now been reunited with his son, Michael Zachary Klink, as well as his parents, grandparents, a niece, and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn. Additional visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Funeral services will take place on Monday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at the Waterloo Cemetery in Waterloo. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Mike Klink Memorial Scholarship Fund by sending a check to the Community Foundation DeKalb County noting the scholarship name on the memo line of a check. The scholarship will benefit a student from Waterloo, Indiana based on determination and fortitude rather than academic achievements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.