Obituary of Michael "Ota" Klingler

Passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025 at the age of 93. Dear husband to Barbara (2018) for 64 years. Loving father to the late Michael Jr. (2011) and Frances (1958). Adored grandfather “Ota” to Paul, Michelle, Anna, and Frankie. Cherished Great-grandfather to Kassandra, Owen, Connor, Cameron, Carter, Maylynn, Michael and Henri. Great-Great-grandfather to Lucas. Dear mentor to Bob, who he loved like a son. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Magdalena Klingler, and his brother Joseph Klingler (2003). 

He was a proud member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic German Church and the Teutonia Club of Windsor. After immigrating from Romania in 1949, he began his new life in Canada working on a farm in Colchester. He later moved to Windsor, where he met his future wife at St. Michael’s Church. They married in 1954 and began building a life together rooted in hard work, family, and community.

He entered the gas station business, first with British America and later operating under the Gulf brand. As both an operator and a skilled mechanic, he took great pride in his work. He had a passion for mentoring young men who apprenticed with him during those years, and often shared fond memories and stories of those times. His love for automobiles extended beyond the business-he had a lifelong passion for cars, especially his cherished 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. In the early 1970s, he ventured into the automotive parts industry, founding what is now Walker Road Automotive, a family-run business that remains in operation today.

He also had a deep love for nature and the outdoors. He spent his summers vacationing at his cottage on Long Lake in Charlton, Ontario-a place he built with his own hands. It was his sanctuary, where he enjoyed peaceful days surrounded by the beauty of the lake and forest. He especially loved tinkering around in his barn there, always finding satisfaction in working with his hands and fixing or repurposing whatever he could. He was known as a tireless worker with a deep respect for resourcefulness, always finding a use for things others might discard. More than anything, he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the genuine care he showed to those around him.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home - Central Chapel (1700 Tecumseh Rd. E.) 519-253-7234 on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 4-9pm. With parish prayers at 5pm. A private family interment will take place. Memorial Donations in honour of Michael may be made to the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County or the Alzheimer Society. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com http://www.windsorchapel.com.