Fred J. Klinkenberger Jr.

January 28, 1950 - April 21, 2023

01/28/1950 - 04/21/2023

Past Services

Memorial
Saturday May 13, 2023
2:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions

Fred Jacob Klinkenberger Jr. passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023. With our hands on his heart and love in ours, wife Stephanie and children Justine, Graeme and Natalie were with him as his soul departed on a new journey.

Fred’s storied life began in Klietz, Germany where he was born Manfred Michael Wolfgang Schlameus to the late Evelyn Ursula Johanna and Friedrich Wilhelm Schlameus. Fred was adopted by the late Fred J. Klinkenberger when he was six, and he grew up living both in the USA and Germany with his Air Force family.

Fred was a devoted husband to Stephanie. He adored his children Justine Woodward and son-in-law Woody (Virginia Beach, VA), Graeme Klinkenberger (Auckland, New Zealand), and Natalie Brogan and son-in-law Bobby (Virginia Beach, VA), and his grandchildren Emerson, Dean and Liam (Woodward), and Rayner, Nina and Beau (Brogan). He is also survived by his two sisters and their families: Sylvia Covello of Denver, CO and Sylvia Rühl of Frankfurt, Germany, and his extended in-law family in New Zealand and Australia.

Fred spent 23 years proudly serving his country in the United States Navy (USN) mostly as a broadcaster, photojournalist, and writer-editor. Duty stations included Italy, Japan, Guam and the Middle East. Some Navy assignments included the Military Photojournalism Program at Syracuse University, Cuba, and even the North Pole. After retiring from the USN he continued as a writer-editor for the Navy with the Civil Service for 13 years.

Retirement life was full. Since he had more time for reading, Fred eagerly pursued his interest in World War II history. Many hours were also spent volunteering with WHRO Voice, the Virginia Air and Space Science Center and working as an usher at the TCC Jeanne and George Roper Performing Arts Center. “Opa” was passionate about supporting his grandchildren at their school and sporting events. Most of all, he loved being with his family and friends for any occasion: cookouts, celebrations and holidays.

His spark and colorful personality are dearly missed. It is always with a smile and much laughter that we remember the stories of his memorable life.

We are deeply comforted knowing Fred’s final gift was his tissue donation to benefit others.

A Celebration of Fred’s Life will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel (5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462) on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be made to the Norfolk SPCA  https://norfolkspca.com/donate-veterinary-funds/.

 

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John D’Angelo
9 months ago

Fred was my chief. He was a great human being. He will always have a positive place in my heart.

Cheryl Kegley
10 months ago

Freddie is one of my most favorite people I have ever known. He was more like family than just a friend. My favorite characteristic of his was the way he loved his family and friends. My second was the little laugh he would do if you called him out on something… so many smiles when Fred was being “Fred” … I will miss him tremendously.

Larry Schutzius
10 months ago

A finer man I have never met. My friendship with Fred goes back over 55 years to our high school days. Although we were many miles apart we stayed in contact over the years. I’ll never forgot our high school parties at “Klink’s Hole in the Wall”, his parents home. Fred’s dad was in the service over seas and his mom worked until midnight. Fred’s sister Sylvia would clean up the empty beer bottles and trash before Fred’s mom would get home. Thank God for Sylvia.
I was honored to be best man at Fred and Stephanie’s wedding back in 1978.
When Stephanie called to tell me about Fred I was crushed. I’m going to miss our goofy phone calls that made us both laugh.
I know Fred loved his family very much and I’m going to miss him greatly. Larry Schutzius

Melissa Jordan
10 months ago

To the Klinkeberger family,
Fred will be deeply missed by everyone who came in contact with him! I used to bowl with him & Graeme! He was such a fun character to be around! He was such a spirit! So very sorry for your loss!!

John Donaldson
10 months ago

Ir was an honor and privilege to serve with Fred – he will truly be missed. Rest your oar Sailor, we have the watch.

Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Museum
10 months ago

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,

 May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,

May your memories of Fred Jacob Klinkenberger Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength…

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.

I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.

My thoughts

and prayers to the family of ….

US Navy Veteran, Fred Jacob Klinkenberger Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

Cliff Young
10 months ago

Freddie, you were always a great friend to hang out with, whether at barbecues or just family gatherings! Our conversations spanned many topics but we always enjoyed them no matter the subject. You will be remembered as a kind-hearted friend with never a harsh word. I will miss you greatly, my friend! Fare winds and following seas.

Harmon Young
10 months ago

Freddie you were an amazing guy so loved and admired. You were one of the smartest men I knew. You were always kind, thoughtful and a little goofy with your jokes but that’s why we loved you. I will always be thankful for you taking the time to help point me in the right direction when you learned that I was venturing into the world of photography. Missed but never forgotten. You are a part of the family and it saddens me to hear that you have left us. I’m sending my strength and love to Steph, Nat, Graham and Justine. We are here for you guys.

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Kat Young
10 months ago

There are not enough words to express the love we all have for our Freddie. He was a man with a heart of gold and in all the years we knew him never an angry word passed his lips. What a life well lived. You and your ‘incidents’ will be cherished always. -with love the Young’s