Martin "Marty" James Klingler

Martin “Marty” Klingler, 66, of Marion, Iowa, lost his long, hard-fought battle with cancer and passed away at St Luke's Hospital on December 3rd, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Marion American Legion.

Marty was born in Cedar Rapids on December 27, 1958, to George & Bette Klingler. He grew up in Marion, graduating a year ahead of his class in 1976, so he could start his wallpapering career with the family business, George Klingler Painting & Decorating.

Marty met Sissy in 1980, and they were married on August 28, 1982, in Marion in his parents' home. Together with his brother Ric, they bought the business from George in 1999, which is now owned by his son Matt. Marty worked part-time to help out in the shop until May of 2024, when he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.

Marty loved working in the yard, fishing, grilling, vacationing in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Sissy's family, and pheasant hunting with his son Matt. His greatest joy was spending time with his family; he cherished the time he had with them and adored his two granddaughters, who loved their “Papa."

Marty is survived and will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Paulette “Sissy”; sons, Tony Stillions (girlfriend Megan), Aaron (Brandi) Stillions, Matt (Chelsea) Klingler; grandchildren, Grant Stillions, Laiken Klingler and Harlow Stillions; sister, Paige (Curt) Anderson; and many family members and friends who will all miss him terribly but will never forget him for the kind and loving man he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Bette; brother, Ric Klingler; and his in-laws, Kenny & Dee Bump.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Chirantan Ghosh and staff at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo for the care shown to Marty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be shared with two of Marty’s favorite organizations.