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BARK RIVER -- Thomas R. Kleikamp, 84, of Bark River, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Hospital.
He was born on December 9, 1941 in Escanaba, son of Lawrence Kleikamp and was raised in Wilson by his grandparents. Following high school graduation from Bark River-Harris High School, Tom served in the United States Navy from 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1964.
On, June 29, 1963, Thomas married Karen St. John at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. She preceded him in death on June 9, 2000.
Thomas worked as a welder for Harnischfeger for 17 years. After Harnischfeger closed, he attended Bay College and began working at Cedar River Lumber where he retired after 17 years. Tom was employed by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church for 25+ years as a custodian during his retirement years. He was also a devoted member of the church where he was a eucharistic minister to the homebound, attended daily mass, and served as an usher.
He was a member of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh since 1985. Thomas thoroughly enjoyed hunting and spending time at camp.
He is survived by son, Christopher Kleikamp of Wichita, KS; sister, Amy (Ron) Honeck of Hartford, WI; brother-in-law, Robert (Freda) St. John; special family friend, Tammy Jensen; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Thomas was also preceded in death by his brother, Ted (Barb) Kleikamp.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 8th from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel, 1236 Old Hwy 2 & 41, Bark River. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with Rev. Vinoy Thomas Panthilapadam officiating. At the conclusion of the mass, a meal will be served in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Mass Intentions in Tom's name, or the Karen Kleikamp Memorial Scholarship at Bay College.
The committal service and military honors will take place at Bark River Twp. Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be directed to the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Kleikamp family.
