Kenneth "Ken" Klimpke

Kenneth “Ken” Klimpke, 78, passed away unexpectedly on February 6th, 2021 at Theda Care Medical Center in Neenah.  He was born on February 28, 1942 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to Herbert and Olga Klimpke.  He graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point in 1960 and enlisted in the Air Force.  He served active duty in the Air Force until 1964 and served in the Wisconsin National Guard until 1973.  Ken loved serving his country, and the Tiger cruise he took with his son Brian in 1988 when Brian was in the Navy was a special memory for him.

Ken married the love of his life Sandra (Higgins) in August 1964 and they spent 56 wonderful years together.  Ken and Sandy went on to have two children, Brian and Tina, both of Greenville.  Their house was an example of their marriage. Ken made everything work, and Sandy made everything beautiful.

After Ken’s active duty, he worked for the Defense Logistics Agency until his retirement in 1995.  Ken’s work kept him on the move frequently in and out of Wisconsin, with stops in Antigo, Milwaukee, Adams, Oxford, Clintonville, and San Diego before finishing in Greenville.

With just about each stop, Ken used his carpentry, electric, and plumbing skills to build a new house for his family.  In later years, he built a house for each of his adult children.  Ken loved cars and being busy, so he took part-time work at Hertz and spent his free time working on and restoring cars.  Ken was the auto mechanic and advisor for his entire family, and he brought a fleet of repairable cars back to life for his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.

If Ken had a superpower, it was building and fixing, as those who knew him said he was a genius with his hands.  As a true hero, he used his powers for good, helping Sandy, Brian, Tina, the grandkids and friends on countless occasions when the furnace broke or the car sounded funny.  Once a week, Ken set time aside to work with Sandy and Tina on projects, create crafts, and spend quality time together that will be cherished forever.

Ken is survived by his wife Sandy, son Brian, daughter Tina (James) Caves, three grandchildren, Hannah, Samuel, and Sawyer, his siblings Karen (Carl) Wagner, Lorraine Wankowski, Bob (Norma) Klimpke, and Allen (Vanda) Klimpke,

He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Olga Klimpke, and brother-in-law Wayne Wankowski.

Private family funeral service will be held at Valley Funeral Home, N1858 Greenville Dr, Greenville WI.

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