John A. Klinger, 49, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, May 1, 2003 in rural Eau Claire County. He was born on February 17, 1954 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the son of Dennis and Patsy (Riedel) Klinger. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with the class of 1972 and then attended UW-Eau Claire.\r\nJohn was an antique collector for many years. He was a historian and avid reader with an extensive library.\r\nHe was active in the AIDS HIV Community as a mentor and teacher helping others; he currently co-chaired the Wisconsin HIV Prevention Planning Council, and was a member of the Western Region of the Ryan White Consortium. \r\nJohn was a former member of the Chippewa Falls School Board elected to that office in 1972, and was the youngest person elected to public office in the United States at that time.\r\nSurvivors include his parents, Dennis and Patsy Klinger of Chippewa Falls; one brother and four sisters, Susan (Gerald) Walloch of Chippewa Falls, Duane (Mona) Klinger of Bloomer, Mary (Gerald) Amelse, Sandra (Dennis) Leirmo and Kathie (Rocky) Berg all of Chippewa Falls; twelve nieces and nephews, Joe and Mark Walloch, Tia and Max Klinger, Brent and Troy Amelse, Laura and Justin Leirmo, and Travis, Tonya, Tanner and Taylor Berg; a great niece, Pyper Leirmo; and an extended family of friends.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Lillian Klinger and Rudolph and Mae Riedel; and a nephew, Brandon Walloch.\r\nServices will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2003 at Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire at 510 S. Farwell St. with Father George Stamm officiating. Burial will be in Eagleton Cemetery in the Town of Eagle Point. Family and friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire and an hour prior to services Monday at the church.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to the donor's choice.

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