ForeverMissed
Large image

Dr. George Chester Kliminski, University of Wisconsin emeritus clinical professor, 77, of Okatie, South Carolina passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2019.

George was born in Thorp, Wisconsin to Helen and Chester Kliminski on December 10, 1941. He married Delores Kaszubowski on June 5, 1965 in St Hedwig’s Chapel, Thorp, WI. He served in the Navy 1960-1963 and spent a year in the Antarctic as part of Operation Deep Freeze.  He completed his undergraduate studies at University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse where he played football and was named MVP in 1966 as one of the last “Iron Men” able to play both offense and defense.  He completed a master’s degree at Northern Michigan University and his doctoral degree at Western Michigan University.  Dr. Kliminski worked as a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin for over 25 years.  His work revolved around Community Education and preparing graduate students for leadership roles in K-12 education. He retired twice before finally settling into consultation work and moving to South Carolina.  He served as President of the National Community Education Association and in 2003 was inducted into the Community Education Hall of Fame as a Charter Member.  In 1998 he received the Ann Wallace Academic Staff Distinguished Achievement Award.  It was a particularly proud moment for George when he was honored by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators with Special Recognition for Service to Wisconsin in 2000.  

Dr. Kliminski, the professional, was exceptionally accomplished but George, the man, was simply a wonderful person.  He was an avid golfer and fisherman.  He could talk to anyone about anything, anywhere and often for lengthy periods of time, much to his family’s consternation.  He proudly wore University of Wisconsin clothing on trips around the world and never failed to find a Badger fan with whom to strike up a conversation. He enjoyed making wine and sharing it over conversation with others. His knowledge and passion for finance was not to be matched and the seeds of this knowledge were planted throughout the years with his grandchildren by shutting down Disney for Bloomberg.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Helen; his sisters, Dorothy Hawley and Carol Kliminski and brother Raymond Kliminski. 

George is survived by wife Delores; sons Kurt (Kristan) and Karl (Kerri) Kliminski; brothers Roger (Lynn) and John Kliminski; brother-in-law Larry (Rhonda) Kaszubowski and sister-in-law Sandra Hutchens; grandchildren Nicholas (Michele), Samantha, Kaitlyn and Kayla Kliminski.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of choice.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Bluffton first responders, Costal Carolina Hospital staff and the Eagle Pointe neighbors, especially Pam and Jim Lindsay.

A memorial service will occur at a later date in Wisconsin. Immediate arrangements are being facilitated by Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, SC https://www.saulsfh.com

February 21, 2019
February 21, 2019
I have fond memories of George from high school. We played football together in high school and side-by-side at UW-LaCrosse. We also roomed together one summer. We had a lot of laughs and created many memories. Warm Condolences, Dee and family~
February 20, 2019
February 20, 2019
Dee and family,
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. Knew George well in school and only saw him a few times in later life at Rog and Gail’s. He was always so out going. Keep the good memories close.
Ken and Peg (Alger) Maier

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
February 21, 2019
February 21, 2019
I have fond memories of George from high school. We played football together in high school and side-by-side at UW-LaCrosse. We also roomed together one summer. We had a lot of laughs and created many memories. Warm Condolences, Dee and family~
February 20, 2019
February 20, 2019
Dee and family,
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. Knew George well in school and only saw him a few times in later life at Rog and Gail’s. He was always so out going. Keep the good memories close.
Ken and Peg (Alger) Maier
Recent stories

Our friend, George Kliminski

February 21, 2019

Dee and family, it is with heavy heart that I sit and write this condolence note.My dear friend, George, your husband, your father, and your grandfather will be missed by all of us that had the pleasure to sit with him, fish with him, and share his company.George was a special friend to us all. We listened to his many stories, yes, his many, many stories! Together, the two of us watched our playful dolphins, the pair of bald eagles that protected our favorite fishing hole, and shared the many fish that found the bottom of our communal net. George was so special to us all. I am blessed to have called him my friend and am truly thankful for the time that we were able to share together. He will be deeply missed, but he also gave us many memories that we will carry  forever. Rest in peace buddy 

George-Our favorite volunteer on Hole #5 for the Heritage Golf Tournament

February 21, 2019

The Dowling Family - Gail, Gary, Ryan, Kaylee and Michael along with all of our friends from Atlanta who have bought homes in Sea Pines had the honor of meeting George in 2013.  George was the in charge of transporting the Golfers in inclement weather and was assigned to our home which was designated a safe house for the players during the Heritage Golf Tournament.  George became an instant favorite and we all loved hearing his stories.   I looked forward to our mornings just before the tournament started having coffee and blueberry muffins "on the porch".  He got to know our crew of friends and would often stop after his shift for an afternoon cocktail with us.  Needless to say our hearts are just broken to hear about his passing.  He will be sorely missed on Hole #5.  We will plan to do some sort of tribute to our George with his other fellow volunteers and our friends at this years Golf Tournament.  My only regret is not having ever met his family who he talked so lovingly about over the years.  May you rest in peace our dear George-you are forever in our hearts.

Gail Dowling



Invite others to George's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline