John Morris Klingeman, 69, died September 14, 2023 peacefully in the room he built looking into the garden he so loved.
John was born in Buda, Texas, on January 11, 1954, to Carl M. Sr. and Peggy Jean Klingeman the third born of seven. In 1955 the family moved from Buda, TX to Indio, CA. In 1960, while in Twenty Nine Palms, CA, his parents received another chance to develop a farm unit in the Columbia Basin Reclamation Project south of Othello, WA, where they settled in August 20, 1961. As a kid growing up on the farm, John enjoyed dirt bike riding, snow skiing, and hunting. He was also involved with both 4H and FFA. Growing up in the basin, his family grew many crops. In the 1980’s, he began raising cherries and apples. John was proud to be a farmer working alongside his family.

John and Kris met in early 1990 during a Desert Ski Club meeting in which Kris was organizing trips and John signing up for them. That first meeting was the beginning of a 33-year long story of adventure, travel, love and faithfulness. John and Kris married on November 6, 1993 at First Presbyterian Church in Kennewick.

In the Mid 1990’s John transitioned from farming to selling irrigation circles to farmers. John loved to talk about farming and developed an extensive network of farming friends. John first worked for SunRain, then Reinke, and on to working closely with Erik at Skone. John sold all aspects of farm irrigation equipment including Pump stations, well projects, drip for vineyards and circles. John expanded his knowledge learning 3 D cad drawing and becoming a licensed Certified Irrigation Designer (CID), Technical Services Provider (TSP), and Licensed plumber and electrician for irrigation. John’s final professional chapter was becoming a Licensed New York Life salesperson, in which he took great pride.

John was instrumental in many of son Mitch’s accomplishments, from becoming an Eagle Scout, rebuilding and wiring Mitch’s1970 VW bus, and Mitch becoming a pilot. John was an amazing mentor and teacher of many things. John was also a master story-teller to the constant delight of his friends.

Family vacations with Mitch, Sarah and the grand-kids were a yearly highlight, visiting Sunriver Oregon each summer and traveling to Coeur d’Alene to see Santa every winter. John cherished his granddaughters beyond measure. He was proud of Mitch and Sarah for what amazing people they are to their family.

John and Kris were fortunate to travel on several European vacations. There are many wonderful travel memories with Joni, Jim, Lynn and Ron our travel mentors. John was a master at train schedules, maps and busses traveling with ease all through Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia and finally Greece.

John had a large heart, warm smile and genuine love of everyone. Those hugs and stories will be missed far and wide for he touched everyone in some way.

Predeceased John are his mom Peggy Klingeman, and father Carl Klingeman; mother in law and father in law Fran and Bill Ferree; father in law Bill Riedeman (best buddy)

John is survived by his wife, Kris; son Mitch Coates (wife Sarah and daughters Claire 14, Lauren 12, and Charley 8); siblings Peggy Ann Berk, Carl (Peggy Ellen) Klingeman, Sylvia (Dale) Erickson. Becky (Kevin) Branson, Paul (Karrie) Klingeman; Sister in law and brother in law Merideth and Bill Dautel; and many nieces and nephews for whom he was the favorite uncle.

We are grateful for Vue Home Health Care for their heartfelt care and medical expertise. We could not have done this without you. The nurses and CNA’s at Kadlec on 7 River Pavilion you are Amazing! Your medical expertise and genuine care and love for John was remarkable.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 5, at 1:00 pm at Sunset Gardens Event Center, 915 Bypass Highway in Richland, WA.

We encourage anyone with blood issues to find the medical expert with whom you get the proper diagnosis as early as possible.