John Richard Klinger, 79, of Belvidere, IL, and formerly of Freeport, IL, passed away on January 19, 2021 at home. He was born on January 14, 1942 to Harm A. Klinger III and Christina E. (Samuelson) Klinger. John's parents were divorced in 1946. Christina was later remarried to Oliver E. Piefer in 1953. John married Carolyn Swank in August of 1962 and would later divorce. In 1991, John married the love of his life, Karan (Heitzer)(Olson).

Survivors include 1 sister, Grace (Terry Plowman); 4 stepsisters: Betty, Rose, Darlene and Lois; children: son Steve (Lynn Woodbridge), daughter Stacy (Keith Dollahite), and daughter Julie; grandchildren: Corey, Erin, Sean, Meghan, Ryan, Natalie; and Robbie; stepchildren: Jeff (Tina) Olson, Dennis Olson, Connie (Mike) Wysocki, Linda (David) Bishop, and Darrell Olson; step-grandchildren: Zack, Aiden, Isaac, and Jessica; niece Michele (Shane Richter), and nephew Marc Plowman.

John served in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964. John had health problems since 1974 but did not seem to slow him down. He worked 27 years at Micro Switch, a Division of Honeywell, before retiring in 1992. Karen was a big help, especially with his medical problems. With the help of Karen, they computerized the Veterans Van Service from Freeport to Madison VA Hospital. John was active in sports, especially track, setting the shotput record his senior year. John helped coach several little league and St. Mary's basketball teams. John's other moment of thrill was winning the "MVP" trophy in the "Christmas Holiday Tournament" in basketball. John was a Master Mason in Excelsior Lodge #97 and served as Worshipful Master. John was also a DeMolay and served on the DeMolay advisory board.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Christina and Harm Klinger, stepfather Oliver Piefer, brother Harm, and brother-in-law Terry Plowman.

A private service will be held on Monday January 25, 2021 at 11 AM, followed by Inurnment at Oakland Mausoleum at 12 noon.