May 9, 1959 – July 23, 2024
Michael Wayne Klinger, 65, Cicero, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends after fiercely battling cancer three times over the last two and half years. Mike was born on May 9, 1959, to Philip and Betty (nee Mikel) Klinger in Owensboro, Ky.
Mike is survived by his wife, Elaine Breen; sons, Philip Klinger (Morgan Ault) and Samuel Klinger; father, Philip Klinger; sisters, Susan Gentry (Kevin), Lisa Deas (Reggie) and Cindy Klinger; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Klinger.
Mike was a graduate of Noblesville High School and Indiana University. He worked at Universal Music Group for many years. During his time at UMG, Mike met the love of his life Elaine, forged lasting relationship with friends who still get together to play poker once a month, and rubbed elbows with top musical artists. For the last few years, he enjoyed leading and mentoring the team at Techstreet.
The center of Mike’s life was his love for his two boys, Philip and Sam, and wife, Elaine. Through his passion for the outdoors, he crafted countless opportunities for them to spend time together, including shepherding the boys as they achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and becoming 10-year 4-H members. Of all his travels, he said that the Grand Canyon was the most beautiful place in the world. He loved it so much that he rafted down the length of the Colorado River four times, sharing the allure of the canyon with multiple family and friends. In 1992 he realized a lifelong dream by establishing Fly Away Farms. He enjoyed fishing in his pond, doing projects, and raising an eclectic group of animals ranging from horses, geese, potbelly pigs, and chickens.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, Noblesville.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Mike’s heroic campaign against cancer, donations can be made to Community Hospital MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7330 Shadeland Station, Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46256 (ecommunity.com/giving-gig/online-donation-form). Or, to celebrate Mike’s favorite place, donations can be made to the Grand Canyon Conservancy, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 (grandcanyon.org).
Condolences: randallroberts.com