Michael Steven Klingen “Mike” passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 6, 2022. He was born on March 23, 1962 to Richard and Carmen Klingen of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mike grew up in Hopkins, Minnesota and spent summers on Gull Lake where he enjoyed water skiing, barefoot skiing, hunting, and fishing. He followed in his brother and sister’s footsteps and went to college at Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity where he met life-long brothers and friends. He spent 32 years researching, inventing, architecting, and developing sophisticated software systems and technologies. Mike has over 20 patents issued and 45 pending with wireless application development, payments, security, natural language processing, and addiction recovery management. He also held a U.S. security clearance and worked on various projects for the NSA and other government agencies.
Mike reconnected with his love of hockey and spent countless hours on the rink, it’s hard to find a picture of him without skates. Mike was called “Klinger” by his teammates and described as someone who never had a bad word to say about anyone and was a gentleman on and off the ice. The only thing Mike loved more than hockey were his children, Lizzy and Michael, who were often by his side on and off the rink.
Mike is survived by his cherished children Elizabeth (and fiancé Steven Karis) and Michael Klingen, the childrens’ loving mother Sue Klingen, sister Lisa Scannell, brother Tom Klingen (Kathy), many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Carmen Klingen and nephew, Patrick Klingen.
A Celebration of Life to be held in Arizona this spring…details to follow soon
In Mike’s honor, we ask you to donate to Graces Sober Living.
A celebration of life will occur in March in Scottsdale. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Adam Snodgrass
You’re in my thoughts and Prayers
Lisa DeMarie
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope the many happy memories you have of Mike will provide some comfort to all of you. Much love.
Lonni Ranallo
Lisa, Tom and the entire Klingen family, I’m so sorry, Mike will be greatly missed I have so many memories of him as a young man and hanging out with the Klingens. My deepest condolences.
Kim O’Connor
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I worked with Mike many years ago when he was at Apriva. Such an all around nice guy and so brilliant. He will be greatly missed by many. My condolences,
Prayers and thoughts for his family.
Kim O’Connor
kim koester
We were saddened to hear of Mikes passing. Sending hugs and prayers to the Klingen family.
joseph hoban
“Spike” was a faithful friend when we were in high school together, and he turned into a fine and successful man as an adult. I’m terribly sorry he’s passed, and I hope you find comfort in knowing that he’ll be missed by all of us that graduated from Eisenhower High in 1980.
Sonja Peterson
So sad to hear about this. His enthusiasm for living a good life seemed so apparent in his social media posts as well as his love for friends and family. And hockey. Nothing but great memories from Hopkins Eisenhower. Class of 1980.
Todd Kidder
I am truly, truly saddened to of heard of Mike’s passing. The very first thing that popped into my head was how Mike always had a smile on his face and laughed a lot during our high school years together. Doesn’t surprise me that he still had a passion for hockey as that group/team at “IKE” was unique and special under coach Godfrey. We football and basketball guys still can’t figure out how to “lace” those blades up even many, many years later. Also, it doesn’t surprise me that Mike was very successful in his career. You could tell he was super smart and it was only a matter of time that he would make his mark on society. As for being a great family man, that too doesn’t surprise me due to his kind nature and ability to befriend and care for just about anybody! To Mike’s family, thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember someone who was so special to you.
Carol Dulis (Johnson)
Sue, Lizzy, Michael, Lisa and Tom. I am so sorry for your loss. Mike had such a kind soul and a great smile. He has left us much too soon, I am so sad to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to all of you. So many good times remembered from High School and ASU. Please keep the site updated on the celebration of life details.
Joseph Hindbo
Skate on the ice that never ends Mike. Where your legs don’t get tired and you can play all day. I can picture you there with that smile on your face and the same joy you had while you blessed us here on this earth. We won’t forget about you and you will be greatly missed.