Thomas L. Klinkhammer

Racine– Thomas L. Klinkhammer, 85, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Tuesday, June 12, 2012.  

A lifetime resident, Tom was born in Racine on January 18, 1927 to the late Joseph and Christine (nee: Fredelake) Klinkhammer. Following high school, he went on to faithfully serve our Country with the United States Navy.  

On September 5, 1949 in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Matador, N.D., he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Arline M. Mauch. With a tireless work ethic, Tom was employed by S.C. Johnson Wax for over 29 years. At the same time, he was also employed in the evenings by Piggly Wiggly (Taylor Avenue and Durand Avenue locations) for nearly 25 years.  

Tom was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church where he was a dedicated 4:00 pm Mass usher. He was also a member of the S.C. Johnson 20 Year Club, JMBA, American Legion and VFW. Among his interests, Tom enjoyed golfing, playing cards and travelling – especially to various casinos. Being in the surroundings of his entire family is what made Tom happiest.  

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Arline M. Klinkhammer; their children, Judy (John) Napier, Fred (Kathy) Klinkhammer and Susan (Timothy) Musurlian; adored grandchildren, Kierstyn (Michael Dovorany) Napier, Hillary (Tomaz Gondek) Napier, Kendall Klinkhammer and Lauren Musurlian; sisters, Joyce Emmons and Betty (Stanley) Wielgat; sisters-in-law, Flora Klinkhammer, Delores Ittner and Betty Mauch; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Alfred and Norbert Klinkhammer; Arline’s parents, Fred and Margaret (nee: Kohn) Mauch; brothers-in-law, Paul Emmons, John Ittner, Lawrence (Evelyn) Mauch, Gerald Mauch and Donald Mauch; and sisters-in-law, Philetta (Nicholas) Radovich, Florence Mauch, Mary Anna (Jim) Hrdlicka and Joan (Albert) Hernke.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 11 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Entombment, with military honors, will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 5:30-8:00 pm and in the church on Wednesday from 10-11 am. In memory of Tom, memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church have been suggested.  

A special note of thanks to Lincoln Village Convalescent Center and to Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints for the compassionate care and support given to Tom during the past four months. May God bless all of you!