Richard "Dick"
Klinkowitz
- Visitation: Monday, November 25th, 2024, from 11 AM – 12:45 PM, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (8500 W. Coldspring Rd. Greenfield, WI 53228)
- Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, November 25th, 2024, 1 PM, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (8500 W. Coldspring Rd. Greenfield, WI 53228)
- ***To View Livestream of Funeral Mass click the following link on November 25th at 1 PM SJE-Greenfield – YouTube***
- Private Inurnment: Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Richard “Dick” P. Klinkowitz
Dick was born to Eternal Life Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the age of 90. He was a loving husband, beloved father, and loving grandfather. Dick, born in Milwaukee on August 24, 1934, was the second child of Anthony and Elizabeth Mary “Elsie” Klinkowitz. His father passed away when Dick was 16. His only other sibling was his brother, Jerome, who was 22 years older.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, brother, sister-in-law Lucille (nee McNamara) and nephew Kim (Kathy). He is survived by his wife Sandy; children John (Laura) Folts, Mary Beth (Larry) Klietz, and Mark (Sharon Moeller); grandchildren Ashley and Ryan Folts, Marty “MJ” Klietz and Nick Olson; and great-grandchild due in May. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.
Dick graduated from Bay View High School in 1953. He played second base in baseball as a teammate of shortstop Tony Kubek. He also played football and was involved in debate and drama. After graduating, Dick worked as a draftsman and enlisted in the United States Air Force to support his mother and pay for college. Dick earned his undergraduate degree from UW-Milwaukee and a law degree from Marquette University in 1966.
In 1957, Dick went to pilot training school and became a jet fighter pilot. While on active duty in the Pacific Proving Grounds region, he was involved in the Christmas Island nuclear testing, including flying through the mushroom clouds to collect atmospheric samples of the fallout. After completing active duty with the USAF, Dick flew with the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He was honored for saving a multimillion dollar F-102 aircraft he was piloting after it experienced engine failure and caught fire, when, instead of ejecting, he was able to make an emergency landing where the fire was extinguished. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after twenty-five years of service in 1982.
After law school, Dick distinguished himself during thirty years of service with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office as both a First Assistant D.A. and then as a Senior Assistant District Attorney. He had a nearly flawless conviction rate prosecuting murders and other felonies. He prosecuted many higher profile cases, including the conviction of Luis Angel Santiago for the murder of Aurora Weier in 1987. Dick also maintained a small corporate law practice, serving as house counsel and Corporate Secretary for a company which manufactured brewery machinery. Dick was always willing to help his friends, if asked, with legal advice and made many additional friends because of it.
He loved telling stories of his military flying adventures and escapades of his law career. His family often said he should record these stories for posterity. He was so proud and honored of his military flying career and continues to keep in contact with friends from those days. On October 5, 2024, he and Sandy were both honored by the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight of Wisconsin with an honor flight to the memorials in Washington DC, which he enjoyed and appreciated very much.
He was married to Donna (nee Honzik) from December 30, 1961 for 33 years until her passing. Together they adopted three children whom they raised in Greendale, WI. Dick was blessed to marry Sandy (nee Hockemeyer) on January 4, 1997, whom he loved dearly to the end.
Throughout his life, Dick had other passions that he shared with his family as well as hobbies of his own. He loved coaching his boys’ teams. Dick played coed volleyball with a great group of friends, enjoyed downhill skiing trips, and was an avid golfer. Dick and Sandy spent the last twenty-seven winters in Phoenix where they enjoyed golfing, exploring beautiful Arizona, and welcoming many houseguests over the years! Dick was also a big fan of the Milwaukee Bucks as a season ticket holder from day one and of the Milwaukee Brewers, attending hundreds of games. It is safe to say he was also a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers, whom he went to see on many occasions as a season ticket holder at both County Stadium and Lambeau Field. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, from 11am-12:45pm, at St. John the Evangelist Church (8500 W Coldspring Rd, Milwaukee). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1pm. Gathering to follow at the Polish Center of Wisconsin (6941 S 68th St, Franklin). Private inurnment at Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Union Grove). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John the Evangelist Parish, Wisconsin Vietnam Vets Chapter 1, or a charity of your choice.
Dick was a wonderful person. I am thankful for the years of knowing him. He will be missed!
Dick has been a most wonderful cousin and friend.
His memory will continue to light our lives each day.
We wish peace and comfort for our extended family..
With much love, Erv and Bonnie
My Deepest sympathy to Sandy, Mary Beth, and the rest of the family on the loss of Dick. May God continue to give you His Peace, Love, and Comfort.
I have such fond memories of time spent with Dick, who was a gracious host, making me feel very welcome. A great storyteller, it was fun to spend time with him, whether it was watching a movie in his living room or frequenting a local fish fry or German restaurant. The special attention he gave to my son Thomas will never be forgotten.
I had the honor of meeting Dick (and Sandy) a couple years ago when visiting mutual friends . True to form, this gentleman quietly paid for all our lunches, He then went to shop in the hardware shop. ( So we ladies could visit). 🙂
What a WONDERFUL life he lived!
Deepest sympathy to Sandy n family.
He will be long remembered.
Dick was a wonderful friend. We will miss spending time with him in Arizona. Sandy has been a friend since high school. We send our love, prayers, and condolences to her and Dick’s children.
Dick was a wonderful man and a great prosecutor. He was absolutely compassionate, fair and the epitome of integrity. Milwaukee county was truly fortunate to have him as a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office. May he RIP as its is absolutely deserved. He will be missed.
Rest in peace Col K. I have so many memories of you and my dad working in the DA’s office with Mike. I remember the stories of your flying with the Air Guard and the fire incident. I loved visiting the DA’s office and being around some very special, talented, moral, and dedicated men. My Dad had the highest regard for you both as a prosecutor and as a friend. Rest in Peace, say hi to the old man for me