Obituary

Obituary for Anthony “Tony” H. Klinke

Anthony H. “Tony” Klinke, born in 1939 in Alton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old.

Tony is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Julia B. Klinke. The couple recently celebrated their milestone anniversary with family on September 11, 2025. He is also survived by his children, Scott A. Klinke (Michelle) and Kimberly A. Elam (Victor); grandchildren Christopher A. Elam, Victoria M. Cummins (Steven); Kori A. Elam (Lyndsay), and great-grandchildren Lera, Jacobi, Emsli, and Kaleesi. To all of them, he was lovingly known as “Popo.”

A Life of Service and Dedication

Tony proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, an experience that instilled in him resilience, perspective, and camaraderie. After his service, he built a career in retail in Illinois, which eventually brought his family to Englewood, Ohio. Later, he worked in insurance with Prudential, balancing professional success with family life.

When the children were grown, Friday afternoons became reserved for fun—he and Julia loved to go dancing in Dayton’s Oregon District, a tradition that reflected their love of life and one another. Even in retirement, Tony’s work ethic and restless energy brought him back to work, but this time at Harco, where he enjoyed the rhythm and clarity that came from “thinking while working.”

A Man of Many Talents

Tony was known as a “Mr. Fix-It”, a woodworker, and a devoted caretaker of his yard. Friends and family will forever remember him for enjoying an occasional drink, a cigar while mowing the lawn, and his opinionated yet always humorous take on life.

As a child, he spent summers at the lakes of Minnesota—camping, swimming, and boating—memories that shaped his lifelong love of the outdoors. Above all, family was the cornerstone of his life, and he cherished every moment spent together.

Honoring Tony’s Wishes

Per Tony’s request, there will be no formal services. Instead, he asks those who knew him raise a glass of spirits in his name, and that family and friends take Julia out to lunch and enjoy a dessert, a simple act that reflects their shared love of sweets and celebration of life’s everyday joys.

Tony’s life was rich in love, laughter, and purpose. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.