Klaus Torner

Klaus “Tony” Torner, 70, of Haynes Road in Beekmantown, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. He was born in Linz, Austria on January 15, 1943, son of the late Artur and Maria (Jellinek) Torner. He married his wife of 51 years Sally Petrashune Torner at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Chapel in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
After a short stay with his family in Milwaukee, Wis., he began his 21 year tour of duty in the US Air Force. First 7 years as a fire protection specialist at Plattsburgh AFB, Fairford and Brize Norton, England and Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan. The remaining years of duty was spent at SAC Headquarters at Offutt AFB, Neb., Ramstein AFB, Germany, Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam and March AFB, California as supervisor of Graphic and Audio Visual Presentation.
He received several metals and awards throughout this career including oak leaf clusters, meritorious service, small arms expert marksmanship ribbon, National Defense service metal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign metal and AF Outstanding Unit Award and professional education awards.
Throughout his tours, he partnered with his wife to do several charitable functions for the military and local communities.
After retiring from the military he was co- owner of Flower Fashions By Torner for 16 years. Blessed with amazing talents, there was a uniqueness in his accomplishments that was driven by his imagination. Many hours were spent searching for unusual items to add to his “treasures”.
He is a member of the American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 125 in Plattsburgh.
Survivors include his wife, children Alan,his companion Cathy, Mark and Debra, grandchildren Brittany and fiancé Damian, Pilvi Mari, Aylisa ,Michael, Mathew, Angelika, Mark Jr. , a great grandson Ashten., sisters Brigitte and her husband Ted, Ingrid and Rita. He is predeceased by children; Steven and Cherie and a grandchild Scott, his parents, grandparents Juliana and Anton Jellinek and brothers John and Jim.
Calling hours will Wednesday October 16, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Heald Funeral Home, 48 Court Street, Plattsburgh. A funeral service will follow at 8:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be Thursday October 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Plattsburgh.