Skook News Obituaries: May 6th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born on June 7, 1948 in Barry Township, he was the son of the late Mildred (Moser) and Gurney Klinger.
Dennis was the husband of JoAnn M. (Kimmel) Klinger.
He was a 1966 graduate of Tri Valley High School.
Dennis was a Sgt. in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War Era and retired after 25 years of service.
Following his military service, Dennis was employed as a machine operator for a division of Car Tech.
Dennis was a member and past officer at the North Ward Social Club, Schuylkill Haven.
In addition to his wife, the survivors left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Shannon, wife of Troy Schreffler, of Elizabethville, Tracy, wife of Frank Schaffer, of Valley View; son, Kyle Klinger, companion of Lacy Davidheiser, Schuylkill Haven. He was also survived by six grandchildren, Hope Carnahan, Blake Schreffler, Brooke & Ryan Schaffer, Avery & Kyla Klinger; two great grandchildren, Aubrey Carnahan and Elliot Schaffer; and brothers, David and Marlin Klinger.
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by brothers, Ernest, Delbert, and Chester Klinger; sisters, Betty Fetterolf and Ethel Flannery Ballensee; and Godchild, Todd Donovan.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 10th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven.
Interment with military honors will take place at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, May 14th at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
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Ray was born in Blue Island, Illinois, December 22,1926, a son of the late Rafael Sr. and Francesca Vargas Madrigal.
Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army for 22 years serving in three wars, WWII, three tours in Korea and Vietnam. Ray served under Generals Patton and MacArthur. He entered in 1945 training in Ft. Lewis Washington, 1946 in Japan, 1948 in Korea, 1949 in Japan, 1950 in Korea, 1954 in Germany, 1961 in Korea, 1965 in Vietnam, 1967 in Ft. Hood Texas, retiring in 1967 as Sergeant First Class E-7. He also served state side, in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Washington and Hawaii. Over his military career, he received the following awards, Bronze Star, Commendation, Good Conduct, WW2 Victory, Occupation, Japan & Germany National Defense with Oak leaf, Korean Campaign with 4 stars and 1 arrowhead, United Nations Korean Defense, Vietnam Campaign with 1 star and Vietnam Service Award. He also received the Presidential Citations; United States, Korea and Vietnam, Ambassador for Peace, Korean Government and Korean War 50th Anniversary. Ray was honored by General George Joulwan as Veteran of the Year. There was also a proclamation made in his name at the Schuylkill County Courthouse for his service to our country.
Following his distinguished military career, Ray worked as a Master Mechanic at Exxon Chemical retiring in 1988.
He was a member of numerous veteran’s committees and organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, the Pine Grove VFW, Pine Grove American Legion, AMVETS, and the Catholic War Veterans. Ray also volunteered with the color guard, honoring many deceased veterans at funeral services for over 15 years.
He attended Most Blessed Catholic Parish, Tremont, a member of the Tremont Senior Citizens and volunteered for over 15 years at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Above all, Ray's family was everything to him. His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him great joy and pride.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janice Miller Madrigal; his two sons, Robert Madrigal and his wife Debra, Schuylkill Haven and William Madrigal and his wife Maryann, Port Carbon. A stepdaughter Lynn Bain, San Diego, CA, two stepsons; Frank Bain, Donaldson and Randall Bain, Tremont. 17 grand and great grandchildren including grandchildren, William Madrigal Jr., Pottsville, and Marguerite Madrigal, Florida, and great grandson, Matthew Madrigal.
Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 3:00 pm from Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
The family wishes a very special thank you to the doctors, nurses and medical staff at the Hershey Medical Center and its Intensive Care Unit as well as Chaplin Captain James, from Ft. Indiantown Gap for his visit.
Memorial donations in Ray's name can be made to the Pine Grove VFW, 40 S Tulpehocken St #1012, Pine Grove, PA 17963 or the Pine Grove American Legion, 42 S Tulpehocken St, Pine Grove, PA 17963
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve Ray's family.
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