Donald Frank Klink

Donald Frank Klink Jr, known affectionately as Donnie to his loved ones, passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2025, in Ontario, Canada.

Born on April 13, 1958, in Virginia, Minnesota, Don's life was a testament to his generous spirit, his kindness, and his thoughtful nature. His life was marked by the many lives he touched and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Don was a beloved brother to Donna Dinco (Ken) of Hartford, WI, Jo Ann Matthews (Jim) of Buhl, MN, and Mary Beth Landen (Dwight) of El Paso, TX. His role as an uncle was cherished by his nephews: Rohnn Sanderson (Shannon) of Owensboro, KY; Derrick Sanderson of Byron, MN; Dwight Landen Jr. (Monica) of Leander, TX; and his great-nephews: Owen, Ezra, Micah, and Jonah Sanderson; Jude, Luukas, and Oliver Landen, as well as his great-niece, Maren Sanderson. He also held a special place in his heart for his aunt, Mary Samargia of Gilbert, MN; and cousins; step-sons, Nick (Betty) and Louie Lituanio; and step-granddaughters, Gina, Alessandra, and Daniella of CA; and countless friends, including his special friend, Sue Taggard.
 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marie Klink; his dear wife, Antionette Piazza Klink; and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Don graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia, MN, in 1976. He moved to California where he was a Superintendent for Turner Construction Company in Novato, CA, for 31-years. During his tenure with Turner, he took great pride in his role in constructing courtesy lounges for San Francisco and Oakland Airports, a Women’s Health Center, new school buildings, and various office suites and buildings throughout the Bay area. His professional achievements were not just a measure of his success, but of his dedication to creating spaces that brought people together and served the community.

Don was an active member of the Indian Valley Golf Club in Novato, CA, and enjoyed playing at the Virginia Municipal and Giant’s Ridge Golf courses. Don's love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing and hunting. He made numerous fishing trips to Ontario, Canada, and spent years enjoying Lake Vermilion with family and friends. His enthusiasm for duck hunts and pheasant shoots was matched only by his love for 1980s music, a soundtrack to many of his memorable adventures.

Don was quiet, unassuming, and generous. Don's friends will remember him as someone they could always count on, laugh with and talk with. We can remember Don saying, "If it's not one thing, it's three".

Don will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his spirit will continue to inspire those he has left behind. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on, not only in the structures he helped build, but in the love, and memories he shared with each of us.

A celebration of Don's life will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Flaimer's in Virginia, Minnesota, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.