Russell K. Klingbeil Obituary

Frank Paige '66 said:

KLINGBEIL, RUSSELL K., left us to be in a better place on January 23, 2004, after battling a hard fight with cancer. He was born in Nova Scotia on 8/1/42; moved to Central Fla. in 1950. He is survived by his loving wife Gwen; his son Rusty; sister Carol Gates and her husband Don; and two stepchildren Michael and Jennifer Sawyer. While serving in the United States Marine Corps he became a naturalized citizen. His love of country, honor and dedication knew no boundaries. He received an honorable discharge in 1965. He enjoyed life with an enthusiasm that we should all hope to experience. He was also a proud member of the Knifemaker's Guild and the FL Knife Makers Assoc. His wife and family would like to extend their ever grateful love and admiration to several "chosen" family members, Kenny and Carol Swartz, Cyndi McRae, Ricardo Vargas, Pete Ihrisky, Donna Sinclair, Jack Setzer, George Stanley, Danny Driggers, Steve Wild, Kenny and Betty Brittain, for without their love and support this impossible time would have been more difficult. A unique thank you goes out to T.Greg McRae for his special talents for Russell's final resting place. Special thanks go out to the team of VITAS Hospice Healthcare Professionals, Judy Edwards, Joann Stanford, Janis Braddy, Tammie Hasty, Susan Frattali, Victoria Sanchez, Alan Ambrosio, Clemintine Inman and Chaplin Geren Baird. The family will be holding private services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in care of Dr. John Francis at: www.fhci-labs.com.
Published by Orlando Sentinel on Jan. 25, 2004.