Ronald Louis Klingbeil

Funeral services for Ronald Louis Klingbeil, 90, of Fort Worth, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Keller. Burial will follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.

Ronald passed away September 17, 2026. He was born November 26, 1935, in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Gustav and Florence Neubauer Klingbeil. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, where his faith became an important part of his life.

Ron graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1959, he entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and later attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. Ron dedicated more than two decades to serving his country, spending much of his military career as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He also served as a military advisor to the Saudi Arabian Air Force in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He retired from the Air Force in 1980 with the rank of Major.

Following his military career, Ron began a second career with Friedrich Air Conditioning Company in San Antonio, where he worked as a Quality Control Engineer in the Room Air Conditioner Division. He retired from Friedrich after 22 years in 2003.

Ron met Judy in Little Rock, Arkansas, at First Lutheran Church, and they were married in March 1962 in Gillett, Arkansas. Their 64 years of marriage were a true blessing, filled with love, countless stories, and many adventures. In 2003, Ron and Judy moved to Fort Worth, where they enjoyed an active retirement and traveled extensively together. Their travels took them to five continents, numerous foreign countries, and most of the United States.

Ron was active in several organizations and ministries throughout his life. He was a member of the American Society for Quality (ASQC) and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He was also involved with Stephens Ministry in San Antonio and volunteered with Lutheran Marriage Encounter. Ron and Judy were AAL Lamplighters, an organization now known as Thrivent.

Ron will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Judy Klingbeil; his daughter, Melissa Klingbeil Sylvester; his son, Lyle D. Klingbeil; grandchildren, Melynda and Maryn Sylvester and Caleb and Emma Klingbeil; siblings, Jerry Klingbeil, Karen Zastrow, and Jack Crouch; sister-in-law, June Klingbeil; brother, Kathryn Shudrowitz; and numerous nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Florence Klingbeil; brothers, Gary and Clifford Klingbeil; and granddaughter, Madeline Emiley Klingbeil.

Ron leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, faith, love, and devotion to his family. His 64-year marriage to Judy, his dedication to his country and career, and the many lives he touched through his family, friendships, and service will long be remembered. His adventurous spirit and the memories created throughout his life will remain a lasting treasure to all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Messiah Lutheran Church Music fund in Ron's name.