Deacon Phillip H. Klinkhammer

Racine – Deacon Phillip H. Klinkhammer; age 94; passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home – Gates Hall in Union Grove.

Deacon Phil was born in Racine on November 13, 1920 to the late Phillip and Clara (nee: Helding) Klinkhammer. A graduate of William Horlick High School, he went on to earn a Masters Degree in banking. Phil faithfully served our Country with the United States Navy during WWII from 1943-46 in the South Pacific.  On August 28, 1948 in St. Sebastian Catholic Church – Sturtevant, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Faythe Rita (nee: Newton) Klinkhammer, who preceded him in death on December 20, 1989.

A well-respected banker in our community, Phil earned trusting relationships with many members of the community through his career at various financial institutions, including Northside Bank – where he served as President until his retirement in 1985.  With a profound Christian faith, Phil was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on June 16, 1979.  He served at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Racine for 8 years before being assigned to St. Lucy Catholic Church for an additional 8 years. Deacon Phil served 10 years as a Chaplain at St. Mary’s Medical Center & St. Luke’s Hospital (where he prayerfully supported countless patients and their families) and as the organist for all Liturgies at the hospital as well. Sharing his gift of music with others, Deacon Phil played the organ & sang for hundreds of weddings / funerals during his lifetime.  He also shared his musical talents with family and friends.

Phil was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council #697; Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Monsignor Weiler Assembly #1207; life member of VFW Post 9948 in Sturtevant; and certified member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

Surviving are his children, Susan Studebaker, Stephen (Rita) Klinkhammer and Eric (Gail) Klinkhammer; grandchildren, J. David Barry, Kathrine Barry, Vincent Barry; Justin, Adam, Jordan and Zachary Klinkhammer; and Kristine Klinkhammer; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Laurel Gehrig, Valerie Keyes and Carol Newton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Deacon Phil was preceded in death by his beloved son, Paul Matthew Klinkhammer (passed away December 28, 1997); son-in-law, Henry Studebaker; brothers, Richard and Karl (Bernice) Klinkhammer; sisters, Mary Veronica (Louis) Milkie, Elizabeth (Carl) Mueller and Betty (Donald) LaMere; sister-in-law, Mary Henes; and brothers-in-law, Verne Gehrig, Donald Henes, Tom Keyes, Francis Newton and Gregory Newton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment, with military honors, will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. A life celebration luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00 – 7:00 (Prayer Service at 7 pm) and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family will send offerings to the Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners to help train future priests. This is Phil’s request.

A heartfelt thanks to the staff of Alpha unit at Wisconsin Veterans Home – Gates Hall in Union Grove for the compassionate care and support; and to Aurora Hospice for the end-of-life comfort given to Deacon Phil in his time of need. May God bless all of you!