Robert Klingler

Robert Louis Klingler, age 77 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 8:55 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016 with family gathered around at Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow in Niles.

He was born on November 16, 1938 in Niles to Elza Adam and Edith Elizabeth (Arnold) Klingler. He was graduated from Niles High School, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University (Bloomington), a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), and a degree in Administration from the University of Notre Dame (Indiana). He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Security and Intelligence operations at domestic and foreign stations. He was honorably discharged as a Veteran of the Viet Nam Era, and continued his service for two years as a civilian employee, teaching on the archipelago of Formosa (now Taiwan). In Niles, he was employed by the Niles Community Schools as a teacher and principal.

Robert was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles. He was an elected member of the Niles City Council, and volunteered in South Bend at the Center for the Homeless, the AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist, and the Morris Performing Arts Center. His interest in the arts including painting a series of greeting cards titled Ms. Ruby Mae Sugars. He also enjoyed entertaining at his house on the Saint Joseph River. His greatest love was teaching children, and he retained an interest in the military, but his motto was “God, Country, and Family”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his sister, Francine Damm and brother Eugene Klingler.

Surviving family includes his sister, Linda J. Sauve of Niles, a brother, Ronald (& Audrey) Klingler of Midland, Michigan, a sister-in-law Susan (Mrs. Eugene) Klingler; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Robert Klingler will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. The service will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Committal will be private, at a later date, at the Saint Paul Cemetery in Ada, Ohio.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday at the funeral home beginning at 6:00 p.m. Contributions in memory of Robert may be made to the Niles Community Schools.