Philip “Fudd/Fuddly” A. Kleinschmidt, 87,  of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at the Onalaska Care Center on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. 

Fudd was born on June 14th, 1937 to Winifred and Charles Kleinschmidt in La Crosse, WI. He attended Logan High School, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. Fudd served in Germany, working in the motor pool, and when deployed to the field, he served with the 10-85F Artillery Division.

Fudd returned home with honors from the service in 1958, and met and married the love of his life, Marie, in 1959. Together they welcomed 3 beautiful children and spent the following 64 wonderful years together. He raised his children with the values of sacrifice, honesty and trustworthiness. He encouraged them to always do their best, stand up for themselves, and to be there for a friend in need.  

Fudd was a man of many talents. He cut sod with Bilskemper, drove trucks for Robinson Transfer and Gobal Freight Lines, was a mechanic for Gateway Transportation, worked as a machinist for 30 years at United Auto Supply, spent time with Hampe Tool and Die but ended his career as a tool and die maker for Trueline. Though he had many interests, racing was his true passion. He began racing at the North La Crosse Speedway and eventually built engines for local racers, always taking immense pride in the details. Sadly, “Engines by Fuddsport” is permanently closed.    

In 1983, Fudd became “Papa” with the birth of his first granddaughter, Tyke. He went on to welcome 4 more granddaughters: Tuke, Little Fiddle, Little Little, and Twinkle. They were his whole world and would often cuddle on his lap, watching NASCAR and listening to his many stories. He taught them hard work, the value of a dollar, military marching cadences, every cuss word they know, and to enjoy the simple things in life. Twenty-two years after becoming “Papa”, he was blessed with a great-grandson, the first of his 11 great-grandchildren. 

Fudd is survived by his wife, Marie Kleinschmidt;  his 3 children: Denise Payne of West Salem, WI, William “Bill” (Linda) Kleinschmidt of Onalaska, WI, and Tom (Brenda) Kleinschmidt of West Salem, WI; his granddaughters: Lindsey (Emil) Meindl, Amanda Payne, Kacie Payne-Vyse, Danielle (Jacob) Koblitz and Macy Kleinschmidt; 11 great-grandchildren; his sisters: Laurel Halvorson, Shirley Ruoff and June Lanzel; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Winifred and Charles Kleinschmidt; his brothers: Glen, Ronald and Neil Kleinschmidt; his sisters: Janice Davids and Myrtle Briggs; and nephews: Terry and Barry Kleinschmidt.

A celebration of life will be held on August 21st, 2024 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. in Onalaska, WI. Gathering will begin at 10:00am where stories will be shared from 11:00am to 11:30am followed by military honors.