April 23, 2023
USNPAA Life Member
The Passing of JOCS Fred J. Klinkenberger, USN (Ret)
Dear USNPAA Members:
It is with deep sadness, and shock, to report the passing of JOCS Fred Klinkenberger. Fred was an incredibly talented Navy journalist who knew his craft. In fact, Fred was one of those Navy journalists and photographers who was an all-star performer who was able to beautifully showcase the U.S. Navy and its people. In my opinion he was cut from the same cloth as John Burlage and Jim Bryant. Professionally, he could be very stern and was a straight shooter, but he also had a fun-loving side to him. Harry Gerwien reminds those who knew Fred how good he was at impersonating Wolfman Jack.
In his Facebook posting about Fred, Harry sums up Fred very well: “On the tree of my life, I have many branches. These branches hold leaves that represent the lives of all the people special to me. Sadly, one of the brightest and colorful leaves on my tree passed away.”
Personally, I had just spoken to Fred last weekend on the day before he fell ill. He was full of ideas and was telling me the stories he was going to send me that he had lined up for Sightings, our newsletter. Fred had agreed to serve as a co-editor and had a wonderful vision for Sightings. Sadly, he never had a chance to send me those stories. Life, as we all know so well, can be very fleeting.
Fred and his wife Stephanie recently celebrated their 45th anniversary. His family was with Fred when he passed, including son Graeme who made it in time from New Zealand to say goodbye. In addition to Stephanie and Graeme, Fred leaves daughters Natalie and Justine—all of whom he would proudly brag about. Stephanie reminds us that as one kindness to the world, Fred was an organ and tissue donor—a gift that Fred will be sharing with others in some way.
Please keep Stephanie and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this deep loss.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
More Notes from the Admiral
USNPAA Life Member
The Passing of JOCS Fred J. Klinkenberger, USN (Ret)
Dear USNPAA Members:
It is with deep sadness, and shock, to report the passing of JOCS Fred Klinkenberger. Fred was an incredibly talented Navy journalist who knew his craft. In fact, Fred was one of those Navy journalists and photographers who was an all-star performer who was able to beautifully showcase the U.S. Navy and its people. In my opinion he was cut from the same cloth as John Burlage and Jim Bryant. Professionally, he could be very stern and was a straight shooter, but he also had a fun-loving side to him. Harry Gerwien reminds those who knew Fred how good he was at impersonating Wolfman Jack.
In his Facebook posting about Fred, Harry sums up Fred very well: “On the tree of my life, I have many branches. These branches hold leaves that represent the lives of all the people special to me. Sadly, one of the brightest and colorful leaves on my tree passed away.”
Personally, I had just spoken to Fred last weekend on the day before he fell ill. He was full of ideas and was telling me the stories he was going to send me that he had lined up for Sightings, our newsletter. Fred had agreed to serve as a co-editor and had a wonderful vision for Sightings. Sadly, he never had a chance to send me those stories. Life, as we all know so well, can be very fleeting.
Fred and his wife Stephanie recently celebrated their 45th anniversary. His family was with Fred when he passed, including son Graeme who made it in time from New Zealand to say goodbye. In addition to Stephanie and Graeme, Fred leaves daughters Natalie and Justine—all of whom he would proudly brag about. Stephanie reminds us that as one kindness to the world, Fred was an organ and tissue donor—a gift that Fred will be sharing with others in some way.
Please keep Stephanie and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this deep loss.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
More Notes from the Admiral