Joe L. Klinger, 80, of Freeport, IL, passed away on March 22, 2025. He was born on August 18, 1944 at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport, to Joseph Klinger and Ruth Tamling. He attended Dakota High School and on October 14, 1967, married Judy L. Rhode in Freeport at the Evangelical United Brethren Church. He was a non-denominational and a past Lutheran. Memberships included Lions Club, Eagles Club, and family/friends Hunting Club. Joe loved his time with family & friends, especially hunting. He loved the simple things like sitting on the deck with a cold beer, catching up with the neighbors, and going out for a good breakfast. Joe was a life long mechanic and could fix about anything.

Survivors include his wife Judy Klinger, son Shane Klinger (Sally Rice), daughter Lisa (Ed) Lubejko,  daughter-in-law Kia Klinger, 9 grandchildren: Blake, Devon, Coty, Ryne (Valerie), Bre (Seth), Nathan (Kylee), Nicole (Scott), Andrew, Elijah; and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Ruth Klinger, sister Joan Mulder, brother Rodney Klinger, and son Barry Klinger.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday March 27, 2025 at 6 PM, with visitation from 3 PM until time of service, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, IL. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established to the family.