Klingler, George Harley

George Harley Klingler, 80, a longtime resident of Marion, died Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, April 11, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by the Rev. Mike Morgan. The family will greet friends from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, before the service.

Survivors include his children, Ric Klingler (Julie Knott-Klingler) of Lisbon, Paige (Curtis) Anderson of Avon, Colo. and Marty (Sissy) Klingler of Marion; grandchildren, Lea Howell, Leaf Hansen, Isaac Anderson, Aili (Robbie) Thomas, Matthew Klingler and fiancee Chelsea Dirks, Aaron (Brandi) Stillions and Tony Stillions; and sister, Loretta Zimmerman of California.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bette; brother, Art Klingler; and sister, Frieda Russell.

George was born April 25, 1932, in West Plains, Mo., the son of Lawrence and Marian (Silker) Klingler. He graduated from Marion High School and was married to Bette Larson on September 22, 1951. George was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having enlisted in the Reserves at the age of 17 and remaining in active duty until 1953 as a RD3 (Radarman). He owned and operated George Klingler Painting and Decorating from 1960 to 1998. George was also a volunteer for the Marion Heritage Center. He loved to cook and wintered in Florida, where he enjoyed fishing.

George was a man of many good qualities. He was honest, fair, kind, generous and had admirable integrity and humility. George also had a wonderful sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in George's memory.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to George's longtime, dear friend, Beth Livengood, Dr. Ghosh and his fine staff and the staff at the Mercy Treatment Center.

Please sign the online guest book for George at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette April 9, 2013.