Carving Out A Spooky Retirement: Halloween With Ken Klinker

Ken Klinker loves carving pumpkins. He started doing it for his kids 30 years ago. He’d come home from work and head straight to the shed—eager to sculpt some groovy orange gourds. His wife spent so much time alone in the house that she started calling herself “The Pumpkin Widow.” 

But retirement has given Ken the freedom to turn that passion into a thriving core pursuit that even pays for itself. He switched to foam pumpkins because they didn’t rot and launched his own Etsy shop. Take a spin down his digital aisles to find some terrific work. I never knew I needed to see John Wayne, Beetlejuice, or Barbie in pumpkin form, but it turns out I did. 

Ken and I talked about his evolving art, favorite charity, media appearances, and primary collaborator. You’ll be happy to hear how a balanced retirement has allowed him to revoke his wife’s “Pumpkin Widow” status. 

So, pour a cup of hot cocoa, put on your Halloween costume, and listen for ways you might be able to carve out your own happy retirement.

00:00-Ken Klinker Love Pumpkin Carving

04:44-The Birth of the Etsy Shop

06:30-400 Pumpkins on Display

09:00-Pop Culture Patterns

12:54-Ken in the News

17:13-Custom Designs

19:25-Giving Back

21:40-Knowing When to Retire

27:16-Core Pursuits

30:40-Facing Challenges

34:26-The Perfect Day

35:27-Teacher’s Aides

37:38-Grandkids & Advice for Retirees

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