Arthur William "Art" Klinke, age 86, of Battle Creek, died Friday evening, November 13, 2009, at the Battle Creek Health Systems. Art was born on September 25, 1923 in Hinsdale, IL and was the youngest of four sons of Gustave A. and Ernestine (Katz) Klinke. He graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1941. Art received his Bachelor's Degree in General Engineering in 1949 from the University of Cincinnati, where he was active in the Triangle Engineering Fraternity. He also attained a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Chase College in 1950. Art served his country in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946, including service in the Corps of Engineers in Europe during World War II. He was employed as an engineer with Ford Motor Company's, Cincinnati Automatic Transmission Division from 1950 to 1957. Art then joined Kellogg Company in 1957 and retired in 1983 as a Director in the Engineering Division. On October 23, 1948 in Portsmouth, OH, Art was united in marriage to the former, Charlotte K. Knost and she survives. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary three weeks ago. Also surviving is his son, A. William (Bethany) Klinke of Dexter, MI; two daughters, Elizabeth (Steven) Suzuki of Mill Valley, CA and Ellen Adintori of Fairfax, VA; two grandsons, Petty Officer Nicholas Suzuki of Charleston, SC and Samuel Suzuki of Mill Valley; his brother, Raymond (Joan) Klinke of Lake San Marcos, CA and by five nieces and 3 nephews. Art was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Frederick of Twin Falls, ID and George of Clarendon Hills, IL. At the request of his family, friends may call on Wednesday, November 18 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek. The memorial service to celebrate Art's life will be held on Thursday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Patricia J. Weatherwax of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, officiating. Final interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Kingston, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Art's honor may be made to the Calhoun County Humane Society; the Food Bank of South Central, MI or the Battle Creek Community Chorus c/o Kellogg Community College. Personal messages for the family may be sent to www.farleyestesdowdle.com

Published in Battle Creek Enquirer on Monday November 16, 2009