Dr. George Chester Kliminski

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, Coastal 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

A Memorial Website has been created at ForeverMissed and the link where friends and family can share their stories, thoughts, prays photos and joys at https://www.forevermissed.com/george-kliminski/#about 

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