Obituary of Eleanor Kling

Mary Eleanor Kling a life long resident of Newton, Iowa passed away at Skiff Hospice Sunday morning November 13, 2011 The only daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Kane Pink, was born at the family farm home in the Sugar Grove Community of Jasper County, Iowa March 7,1920. She attended rural school and graduated from Newton High School in 1938 receiving a Normal Training Certificate. She taught in the rural schools of Jasper County and attended the State Teacher's college during summers. On May 28, 1942 Monsignor McCann joined her and Donald Kling in Holy Matrimony at Sacred Heart Church in Newton. Eleanor was an active member of the parish all her life having been a member of the choir, taught Religious Education classes and was president of the Sacred Heart Society. She was a charter member of the Newton Song Stylist a local choral group in the 40's and 50's and a member of the Rural Women's Chorus. She assisted with children's school activities, campfire, Scouts and 4-H. Her greatest joy was reading and listening to the children read and seeing their report cards. Her family and friends will treasure the memory of her peanut brittle treats at holiday time. Her hobbies were reading and crocheting prayer shawls and afghans. She is survived by her children James (David) Fletcher-Kling of Rock Island IL, Janna Beth Birkenholtz of Pleasant Hill, IA, Jeff Kling, Sully, IA. Her grand and great-grandchildren Todd (Jenny) Birkenholtz, Mckayla and Keller of Pleasant Hill, Eric (Jill) Birkenholtz, Brady and Breckan of Des Moines, IA. Jessica and Jaymie Kling of Sully IA. Jasmine and Jacy Yoder of Newton, IA and their guardians Lori and Gary Yoder and son Dylan. Also sister-in-law Jean Pink, Greeley, Co, and Ardith Lux of Newton. Many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband , daughter Junella Kling-Yoder, son-in-law Steve Birkenholtz, brothers Clifford, Bill and Paul Pink. Visitation will be held at the Pence Reese Funeral Home North 2nd Ave East, Newton, IA, from 4 to 7 PM Wednesday November 16th. A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 1115 South 8th Ave East, Newton, IA. on Thursday, November 17th at 10:30 AM. Burial service will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Religious Education Program at Sacred Heart or Skiff Hospice.