Mr Thomas (Tim) Tim Wesley Klinefelter

Thomas Wesley Klinefelter, Jr. known to those who loved him as “Tim”, passed away quietly at home of Alzheimers on August 17, 2016 at the age of 78. He lived in Orangevale, CA and as always, was surrounded by his family. Tim was born September 28, 1937 in Seattle, WA to his loving parents, Thomas Wesley Klinefelter, Sr. and Melba Grace (Harmon) Klinefelter. He is survived by his beautiful wife Judith “Judi” Celeste (Stansbury) Klinefelter, had 5 children; Karen Celeste (Cory) LaRue of Hayden Lake, ID., Todd Wesley (Karen) Klinefelter of Fair Oaks, CA., Kathleen Annette (Andy) Klinefelter of Orangevale, CA., Ben (Shelley) Klinefelter of Folsom, CA and Trish (Aaron) Nelson of Orangevale, CA. Together, Tim and Judi raised their family with great love and devotion. Tim worked as an Engineer for Aerojet for 10 years, earned a BS in Business Admin. from CSUS then began his 30 year career with the State of California and retired as a Budget Officer. Tim was truly in love with his wife of 57 years, enjoyed and celebrated his family. In addition to his 5 children, he had 12 grandchildren: Josh, Chelsey, Kelsey, Alex, Cassidy, Tristan, Tyler, Brysen, Gabe, Hunter, Cece and Holt and 6 great-grandchildren: Zoey, Emmie, Benjamin, Fisher, Josiah and Isaiah. While attending Coronado H.S., CA., quarterback for his football team he was stricken with polio at 15. He lost use of his legs and walked happily and skillfully with crutches for 55+ years. He was undaunted by any obstacle and adapted and excelled at life no matter the challenge. He became a master yachtsman and former Captain of “The Orizaba”, “The Going Grunt” and “The Thumper”. He has shared many amazing experiences such as racing in the shadow of Diamond Head Oahu, asking Duke Kahanamoku (legendary surfing pioneer, Hawaiian waterman, and olympic swimmer) to “whistle up the wind” during a regatta and with one whistle from Duke, the wind came up and victory was his. He was also a scratch golfer and in later years an avid hand cyclist. He competed 8 years in the 500 mile cycling event Ride the Rockies in Colorado and competed 4 years in the Eppies Great Race Triathlon in Sacramento. He was seen daily zipping along the American River Bike Trails, inspiring all who witnessed his strength, determination and skill. As amazing and wonderful his talents and athleticism, his most important acheivement and his life’s goal, according to him, was his beautiful family. He always made us his top priority and sacrificed everything for us. According to our mom Judi, “He glowed with each accomplishment and endeavor from each of you”. He was loyal to his friends and treated them as family, as all have shared their own “Tim-isms” with us. Tim was a devout member of the LDS church after converting as an adult. Due to his strong faith and testimony he willingly accepted to serve his fellow man. “We stand all amazed”… at this man’s inspirational life and feel truly honored to call him Dad!!!! Also, he is survived by 3 sisters Ann Mirizzi(Ray) of Los Gatos, CA, Kathleen McCorduck (John) of Alamo, CA. and Patricia Hartman of Brentwood, CA, his sister-in-law Jo Ann Smith (Dayton) of Vallejo, CA., and their many wonderful, loving children and families whom Tim adored and who adored him. As Tim would say each morning “Raus mit em, raus mit em, the sun is over the yard arm” (it’s time to get up, don’t waste your day). “It’s time to get up, it’s time to get up, it’s time to get up in the morning” “Wake up you’re burnin’ daylight”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness”. 2 Timothy 4:7

We know you are now free to soar without the challenges of this Earthly life. We LOVE you so much Dad. Our heart, our hero.