Victor L. Klinker

Victor L. Klinker, 85, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024, at St. Anthony Rehabilitation and Nursing Center surrounded by his family. 

Born in Lafayette on December 21, 1938, Vic was the son of the late Fred and Otillia (Sondgerath) Klinker and grew up with his siblings in Otterbein, IN. Vic and his family moved to Lafayette and Vic played basketball for Lafayette Jefferson High School and was a member of the 1956 State Finals Team and a finalist for the Arthur L. Trester Mental Attitude Award. He was recruited to Tulane University, where he was a two-year team captain and two-time All-SEC (Southeastern Conference). He earned a BS in Economics and Finance. He was drafted by the NBA St. Louis Hawks but chose to return to Lafayette and began his career at National Homes. Victor met the love of his life, Sheila Ann Johnston, as she was singing with the Paul Kenney Orchestra at a local event. Victor and Sheila were married on November 17, 1962, at St. Mary Cathedral and just celebrated their 62nd anniversary. 

In addition to his work as a home builder for Prairie Builders and Lux-Klinker Homes, Vic was active in the community and served 40 years as a member of the Lafayette Park and Recreations Board. He served his church family at St. Mary as an usher for over 50 years, and refereed IHSAA basketball throughout the state. His most treasured recognition was his 2018 Marquis de Lafayette for his service to the Park Board. 

Victor is survived by his wife, Sheila, and their three children, Kerri (Scott) Colvin, Kevin Klinker, and Kelly (Ken) Jacobs. His grandchildren include Kristen Colvin Budlove, Jessica Colvin, Evan, Madi and Nolan Jacobs, and Tori and Tommy Klinker. He is also survived by brother David Klinker and his wife Sheila, brother-in-law Bill Thornbury, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. 

He is preceded in death by three sisters, Tillie (Lyle) Clute, Katherine (Bill) Krodel, Mary Thornbury and two brothers, Fred (Sally) and Jerry (Shirley) Klinker. We are so grateful to this generation who was guided by faith and family, and we celebrate their legacy as we gather each summer for the Klinker Klassic reunion. 

It is well-known that Vic had three open heart surgeries and was an advocate for the outstanding medical community that took care of him in Lafayette. He was blessed with excellent care at Franciscan Hospital and especially St. Anthony Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the past six ½ years. The family wishes to thank all the St. Anthony staff for their dedication and compassion, including his special care giver, Paula. 

Vic was known for his witty sayings (Vic-isms), his cigar, and his introduction as “Mr. Sheila Klinker.” 

The visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at St. Mary Cathedral, with rosary service at 4:30 pm. The funeral mass will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at St. Mary Cathedral, 1207 Columbia Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Mary Cathedral, Lafayette Parks Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Homestead Resources, Inc., or The Lafayette Citizens Band. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home is caring for the Klinker family. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com