Jan. 13, 1919 – Sept. 15, 2014
Leo Clarence Klinner, 95, of Sweet Home died Sept. 15, 2014.
He was born Jan. 13, 1919 in Benedict, N.D. to Carl and Clara (Bechtold) Klinner.
He served in the United States Army as a cook during World War II.
Mr. Klinner was raised in Minot, N.D. He married Joyce Thompson in 1941. They moved to Dee Flats in the late 1940s where he owned a farm. In 1952 they moved to Port Orford and, in the early 1990s, they made the move to Sweet Home.
Over his lifetime he worked at various jobs: grocery store, cattle ranch, coal mining, ownership of a farm and a repair shop, and as an electrical technician.
Mr. Klinner enjoyed treasure hunting and gold panning. He found a little gold but the better treasure was time spent with his family and friends, old and new, along the way.
He is survived by his sons, Gary Klinner of Tyler, Texas, Jim Klinner of Lonedell, Mo.; daughter Lila Hilfiker of Salem; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Klinner was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Klinner; and sons Wayne Klinner and Dale Klinner.
Viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.
A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at River of Life Fellowship. Graveside service with military honors will be at 2 p.m. at Gilliland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to River of Life Fellowship.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.