Racine – John Karl Klinkhammer, age 84, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, in the emergency room of Ascension All Saints Hospital on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

A lifetime resident, John was born in Racine, WI on December 16, 1939 to the late Karl and Bernice (nee: Massmann) Klinkhammer. He faithfully served our country with the United States Army 82 ^nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper from 1957-1963. On October 25, 1958, John was united in marriage with the love of his life, Patricia Ann (nee: Hanko) Klinkhammer, who after 54 years of marriage, preceded John in death in August of 2012 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. The family takes comfort in knowing that John and Pat have been reunited.

With a profound work ethic and a gift for serving others, immediately after his departure from the military John served as a firefighter for the City of Racine Fire Department for several years. He also utilized his love of automobiles as a well-respected sales manager for Schmerler / Towne Ford in Racine and, most recently, for Roger's Auto Sales in Burlington. Among his many interests and passions, John enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting, auto racing, cooking, golfing, and dog training. By all those who loved him, John will be remembered most for being an especially-talented storyteller who enjoyed socializing with family and friends, and always found a way to make them smile.

Surviving John are his beloved sons, Brian (Chris), Jeff, and Rick (Debby) Klinkhammer; treasured grandchildren, Amy (Nolan) Thomas, Austin Klinkhammer, Lynsie (Mike) Kavanaugh, Aleea Klinkhammer, and Cody Klinkhammer; adored great-grandchildren, Reiley, Brantley, and Colt Kavanaugh; sister, Carol Phillips; brother, Roger (Diane) Klinkhammer; sister-in-law, Jayne (Erv) Titzkowski; nieces, nephews, other relatives, many former customers and friends, and a miniature schnauzer, Rocco, who was John's very best friend.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Bernice Klinkhammer; his beautiful wife, Patricia Klinkhammer; Patricia's parents, Edward and Joan (nee: Pettavino) Hanko; and his brother-in-law, Doug Phillips.

Memorial services with military honors celebrating John's life will be held this Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, with Celebrant Cheri Neal officiating. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

In memory of John, memorials to Veterans of America have been suggested. John's children send a special note of thanks to the Racine Police, Fire, and Rescue personnel who did everything in their power to try and save our Dad's life. May God bless all of you!

On behalf of his family, friends, and loved ones, we leave you with John Klinkhammer's signature signoff: "Love ya. Say Bye."