Carter Lee Klinkner

Carter Lee Klinkner, 34, passed away Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, while doing what he loved - riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle that he had lovingly named “Pamela”.

Carter was born September 19th, 1990 in Owatonna, MN, to Tim Klinkner and Christine Myers. Carter moved to Winona, MN, attended Cotter Schools, and eventually graduated from Winona Senior High in 2009. After High School, he attended Hennepin County Technical College to pursue his Welding Certificate. After school, he worked at Kohner Materials for 7 years in the gravel pit loading trucks, chatting with drivers, and making Snapchat videos to give everybody a good laugh.

Over the last year, Carter did what most only dream of when he answered the call to sell everything and explore the United States on his Harley. He traveled the country, seeing beautiful spots including Yellowstone, Glacier, the Grand Tetons, the Everglades, and the Keys. He made stops all over the country, visiting family and friends. Along the way, he would call many people to update them on his location, show them a picture of where he was, or just chat about life. He said waking up in a tent and unzipping it to see the mountains in the morning was indescribable, but one of the greatest feelings he had ever had.

Carter was one of a kind. Unique in the greatest sense. He was a bright light to all who encountered him, whether it was his best friend or a random gas station employee (that’s not a quip; he was friends with many random people from all walks of life).

His stunning blue eyes were a window into who he was: gentle, kind, loyal, and loving. He would help anyone who needed it, and he believed that everybody deserved to be helped. He loved and protected those closest to him with the strongest of energy. One of his favorite shirts simply read “Bodyguard” on it, and he wore it with pride.

He did not see the world in the conventional sense that most people do, and was willing to share his thoughts and get in a debate or two to defend those thoughts.

He found peace and solitude on his bike exploring. It was his favorite thing in the world. Carter rode his Harley with the same energy that all should go through life with. He would hammer on the throttle when he was arriving and hammer on it when leaving, communicating “hello” and “goodbye” in his own, unique love language.

He was the person you’d want standing next to you at a memorial service or a funeral. Carter would give you a bear hug, probably tell you an inappropriate joke under his breath, and do whatever he could to ease your pain by making you laugh.

Carter loved his family, friends, and his country, but most of all he loved riding his Harley. He had recently re-dedicated himself to God thanks to the help of Paul and Vickie Ayotte.

He will forever be in hearts and on our minds.

Carter is survived by parents: Tim Klinkner & Lisa Liberio of Indianola, IA, Christine & Jack Myers of Watertown, MN, brothers: Brandon Klinkner of Eden Prairie, MN, Andrew & Dana Klinkner of Chanhassen, MN, and his baby niece Varenna. Carter was also infinitely blessed with several loving and caring Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and many cherished friends.

Carter would want you to live your life to the fullest and without fear-just like he did.

Tuesday, June 3: Visitation at Hoff Funeral Home from 4:00pm-8:00pm in Winona, MN. After the visitation, we will go to one of Carter’s favorite watering holes in Winona for a toast. Wednesday, June 4: Visitation at 10:00am, prior to 11:00am Catholic Mass at St. Stan’s Catholic Church in Winona. 12:00pm burial at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Winona. Everybody is welcome to join us back at the church for lunch after the burial. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support! It means the world to us.

Attire for all events: Casual (Carter never liked the idea of a suit and tie). Harley-Davidson clothing / gear is encouraged for all events as Carter would have loved that.

All cards and flowers can be sent to Hoff Funeral Home in Winona, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.hoffuneral.com

Mass will be streamed for all who cannot attend at HoffFuneral.com.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.

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