July 23, 1930 – Jan. 17, 2011


Raymond John "Ray" Klink, born July 23, 1930, in North Lake, was welcomed to eternal life Monday, Jan. 17, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille (Hanrahan) and Francis Klink Sr.; his sister, Mary Book; and brothers, Francis Jr., Harold and James.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret A. Klink (Weber); daughter, Robin (Brian) Higgins; and most treasured granddaughters, Emily Margaret and Molly Rae. Ray is further survived by his brother, Pat (Jan) Klink; sisters-in law, Judy Klink, Sue Klink and Joyce Armstrong; special niece, Marge (Doug) Teisl; many dear nieces, nephews and friends; and his devoted canine companion, Star.

Ray volunteered for service in the U.S. Army and played baseball while in the Army and also for Land ’o Lakes. Ray was inducted into the Land ’o Lakes Hall of Fame in 1978 and served as president of the Land ’o Lakes Old Timers Association.

Ray joined the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in 1958. He later became head of the Juvenile and Drug Enforcement Division and earned degrees from WCTI and Milton College in criminal justice. Ray later served on the board of trustees for Milton College. He was elected to the office of Waukesha County sheriff in 1978 – an office he held until his retirement in 1992. Ray also served as the emergency government coordinator of the state of Wisconsin during this time. He was most proud of the D.A.R.E. program and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit; both of which were initiated under his watch.

Ray enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, pheasant hunter and golfer. He spent many hours on the water (or ice) or the links. He was active in St. Dominic Parish in Brookfield and coached baseball and basketball for many years in the 1960s. He was part of a small group of men that began the athletic association at St. Dominic’s.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. memorial Mass on Tuesday, Jan. 25, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 18255 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield.

Ray’s family thanks the staff at Wisconsin Heart Hospital and Dr. Ahuja for getting Ray home for one more Christmas. Special thanks to Dr. Donald Roach, Dr. David Engle and the staff at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital for the care given to Ray throughout his many recent hospitalizations.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Girl Scouts Wisconsin Southeast – Chinook Program Center or the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit are appreciated.

Harder Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 781-8350 or visit online at www.harderfuneralhome.com.