Ray Ernest Klingler

Ray Ernest Klingler died April 26, 2021 surrounded by family members after a life well lived. He was 94. Born in Clay City, Indiana in 1927, he was the fifth child of Charles Ulrich Klingler and Mary Elizabeth Rentschler. He attended Clay City High School where he played varsity basketball and softball.

In 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy, deployed to the USS Washington and USS Massachusetts. He proudly served his country like his three older brothers. After military service, he earned a degree in civil engineering at Purdue University and began his professional career in Venezuela, where he met Sandra (Hood) who, in 1957, became his wife and lifelong, loving partner. Following several assignments in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, and Midland, Michigan, they retired in Sarasota, Florida, and later moved to Broward County. A quiet man by nature, he will be remembered for his kindness, gentle heart, strength of character, and unconditional love of family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Paul Gilbert, Robert Lee, Kenneth Max, Ruth Pauline, and daughter Pamela Ann. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Sandra; daughters Mary Angela Pepin (Jacques), Tamara Ann Klingler (Mayco Villafaña); grandchildren Philippe James Pepin (Sandra), Kathryn Elizabeth Pepin (Shaun Morrison) and Victoria Ann Pepin; and great grandchild Juliette Rose Pepin. He is also survived by Andrea Villafaña Melendez (Ricardo) and Ricardo Alejandro Melendez along with devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A private memorial service will be held on May 3, 2021. He will be laid to rest later in the year at South Florida National (Military) Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or https://trustbridgefoundation.org.

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