March 25, 2025 at 9:50 a.m.
Gerald "Jerry" Mark Klingler, 89, Columbus
By Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Mr. Gerald “Jerry” Mark Klingler, who transitioned peacefully in his sleep on March 20, 2025 at the age of 89. He brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with his kind heart, steadfast faith and enormous capacity to love.
Gerald was born on July 14, 1936 in Detroit, Mich. to Carabelle Allen and Wright Klingler. We take joy in knowing he has reunited in death with his wife Sharon (Wilson) Klingler, identical brother Harold Klingler, big brother Bill Klingler, and daughter Lori Chittendon who is survived by her beloved husband Geno Chittendon of Southport.
Gerald moved to Columbus in 1973 as a jeweler for Shiffrin-Williams Jewelry (now Max’s Jewelry on Washington St.). He proudly retired from Cummins Engine Company where he was a cherished employee. He attended St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. Hobbies included working security for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, turning the backyard into a hobby farm and photography.
Mr. Klingler is survived by his daughters Catherine (Paul) Klingler of Columbus, Michelle Nelson of Winamac, Tonya Schneider of Reno, Nev., Krista Spencer of Phenix City, Ala.; sons Daniel Klingler (Jay Langhurst) of Dallas, Tex., Bryan (Cherie) Klingler of Columbus and Edward (Lauri Ray) Hendershot of Hope. Surviving grandson and best friend Dallas Klingler; grandchildren Ashlee (Joseph) Maze, Michael Chittendon, Brooke and Derrik Waltz, and Cassie Schneider; great grandchildren Izzy, Abigail and Jude Maze. A former president of the Indiana Foster Care Association. Gerald and his wife fostered 42 children. Each one they loved and considered their own.
The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church (1306 27th St. Columbus, IN 47201). Fr. Clement Davis will officiate. Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service at the church. Entombment at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan will follow at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home (3855 25th St, Columbus, IN 47203). Flowers and condolences should be received by April 4, 2025.
Additional condolences and special memories may be shared with the family HERE.
