John Preston Klinke, Sr.'s Obituary
John Preston Klinke, 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 2, 2025. John was born on April 16, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee, home for most of his life. He attended Snowden and Central High School, where he served as the President of Phi Kappa Fraternity. He obtained a Bachelor of Industrial Management degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1956, then served as a United States Naval Officer at Naval Station Argentia, in Newfoundland, Canada.
In 1957, John married Margaret Ann Zepatos, also from Memphis. As newlyweds, they returned home from Newfoundland to start a family and, in his case, to assume leadership of the family business, Klinke Bros. Ice Cream Company. John and Margaret Ann enjoyed thirty-seven wonderful years of marriage, until her death in 1994. They are survived by three children and their spouses: Preston (Sally) Klinke, Russell (Kelly) Klinke, and Lynne Klinke. They are also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In 1995, John married Betty Craft, of Bono, Arkansas, his wife of the past thirty years. He is survived by her two children and their spouses: Jeffrey (Marcie) Hogue and Marc (Lisa) Hogue. He is also survived by her three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In terms of marriage, he considered himself “doubly blessed.”
John served in multiple leadership positions within First Evangelical Church, the wider Memphis community, and various dairy and ice cream industry associations. He was responsible for Klinke Bros.’ acquisitions of competitors, Taylor Ice Cream and Angel Food Ice Cream companies. He forged a relationship between Klinke Bros. and Baskin-Robbins with B-R founder, Irv Robbins. That agreement spanned fifty-four years and resulted in hundreds of Baskin-Robbins shops throughout eight states. John also managed to balance the role of father and corporate president, working seamlessly alongside his successor generation for almost forty years. He cared deeply for the extraordinary men and women who worked for Klinke Bros.
John was proud of Klinke Bros.’ enduring relationship with the city of Memphis, and grateful that Memphians had embraced Klinke and Angel Food ice creams as iconic Memphis brands.
Cherished by his family and friends, respected as a consummate gentleman, smart, faithful, honest, John possessed a profound and durable faith. He treated all people with respect and kindness. He was strong yet gentle, principled yet compassionate. His character reflected an abiding relationship with His Savior and touched countless lives. He fought the good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith.
Memorial gifts in Mr. Klinke's honor can be made to the First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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