The Gazette reports the winningest girls’ basketball coach in state history, Gene Klinge died Wednesday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Hospital of complications from an infection.
He was 82.
Arrangements are pending. The family is hopeful that a memorial service will be held soon in the Maynard gymnasium that bears his name.
Klinge is survived by his wife, Pat, to whom he was married 54 years, as well as four children (Kathy, Vicki, Kevin and Karen) and seven grandchildren.
In 52 seasons — 41 at West Central, 11 at Waukon — Klinge compiled a record of 1,009-252. The run featured 16 state-tournament appearances, highlighted by a Class 3A championship at Waukon in 2004.