Obituary - Posted: 7/8/04
Rudolph ěRudyî Klinski
Rudolph W. ěRudyî Klinski, 87, of Caledonia, MN, died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, WI. He was born February 27, 1917 in Union township, Houston County, MN, to John and Dora (Hahn) Klinski. On September 6, 1942, Rudy married Kathryn Collins at St. Johnís Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia and in September of 2003, they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Rudy lived his entire life in Caledonia except for two years when he worked in a Dubuque Iowa Coast Guard ship-yard during World War II.
Rudy was a John Deere Implement dealer in Caledonia for many years. Rudy also served as Justice of the Peace, Caledonia City Council member, and on the board of St. Johnís Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia. After retirement, Rudy started a tree planting business and built housing in Caledonia. He also renewed his interest in old-time fiddle playing and spent many happy hours at musical gatherings or performing beloved old-time music for his friends at area nursing homes. Rudy and Kathryn enjoyed spending winters in Texas and taking trips to visit their grandchildren. Rudy overcame disabilities and illness much of his life; his strength and sense of humor encouraged many who knew him. One of his favorite sayings was ěDonít try to place your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.î
Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; two daughters, Doris (Jim) Besikof, Coronado, CA, and Ann (Jim) Carney, Paradise, CA; care-givers, Patricia Kaufmann and Marilyn Ellenz; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mildred (Jerry) Pierce, Holmen, WI.
Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Edna Klinski and Marie Doering; a brother-in-law, Art Doering; and a sister-in-law, Cora Deufel.
Services were Wednesday, July 7, at 11 a.m. from St. Johnís Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Rev. Jon Wolff officiated. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends called at the church on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia, was in charge of arrangements.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
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507/724-3475
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