Fr. Kenneth Klink, age 84 passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Agrace HospiceCare, Inc.  Ken was born on August 28 1940 the son of the late Marie (Heimerl) and Paul Klink, and grew up in Watertown, WI attending St. Bernard Grade School.  He attended St. Lawrence Seminary, Mt. Calvary; St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee; and the Theological College at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.  After ordination, he served as associate pastor of Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon, WI; as an instructor at Holy Name Seminary, Madison, WI; and pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Belleville, WI where he served for over 30 years.  He also served as associate director of vocations for the diocese and as a member of the Presbyteral Council.  Fr. Klink retired with the title of pastor emeritus in 2010.  In reflecting on his years as a priest, Father Klink said, "For me, the core of the priesthood has been 'the People of God.'  The people have been a gift. They have been so affirming and kind and appreciative.  Catholics have traditionally invited priests to share their lives at significant moments such as birth, adolescence, marriage, having a family, aging, and death.  The People of God in the places I've ministered have enriched my life more than any other component."

Ken is survived by his sister Paula Horn, brother Donald (Lynn) Klink, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Fr. Del Klink, sister and brother-in-law Marie & Bud Felix, and brother-in-law Richard Horn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 338 S. Harrison St., Belleville, WI.  Burial will be in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery, Watertown, WI.

A link to view the livestream of the funeral mass is here: https://youtube.com/live/qPbxtI-wfx8

A visitation will precede the funeral mass from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Belleville.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Francis of Assisi Parish or St. Raphael Retired Priest Fund.

"We are all just walking each other home." -Rumi

Deep gratitude to all the people who walked with KK.