Kurt Klinger

Kurt Klinger, 64, passed away at his home in Fayetteville, Ark., on Dec. 10, 2014. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Jan. 21, 1950, the son of Ewald and Phyllis Klinger. He graduated from Woodbury High School in Woodbury, N.J., in 1968. He then moved to Fayetteville, Ark., where he attended the University of Arkansas and received a bachelor's degree in history in 1973. Kurt spent most of his life in Fayetteville but lived in St. Petersburg, Fla., from 1998-2007, where he worked at the St. Petersburg Times, had many friends and became a huge Tampa Bay Rays fan. Kurt was passionate about baseball and music history. He could listen to only a few notes of any song and instantly know the artist, title, year and month the song was released. Like his brothers, he had a talent for music and loved playing the piano. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Ewald and David Klinger of Florida, and Duke Klinger of New Jersey. Survivors include his son, Travis Klinger and his wife, Angela, and their son, Maddox, of Springdale, Ark.; daughter, Brooke Grigg and her husband, Jeff, and their son, Austin, of Fayetteville, Ark.; and his beloved cat, Gorpy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joanie Klinger; a niece, Kara Menard of New Jersey; and three nephews, Jared and Brett Klinger of New Jersey, and Ewald Klinger of Florida. There will be a private family gathering with friends to celebrate Kurt's life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to local animal shelter. Cremation arrangements by Beard's Funeral Chapel and Crematory of Fayetteville. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.