Encyclopedia Dubuque
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KLING, Gretta
KLING, Gretta. (Howard, KS--Spartanburg, S.C., Apr. 19, 2024) Growing up on a farm near Howard, KS, with her parents and two sisters, Gretta loved drawing, reading, and riding horses. She attended Coffeyville College and taught in a small country school. Gretta married Verne L. Kling, also from Howard, in 1956.
She earned a B.A. in elementary education from Southwestern College (KS). Gretta and Verne moved, with daughters Karen and Karlene, to Dubuque in 1971 when Verne accepted a teaching position at DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL. They adopted their son Kevin from South Korea in 1973. They loved living in Dubuque and participating in community activities, but needed to move to SC in 2018 to be near Karlene.
Gretta taught more than twenty years at HOOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and volunteered as a mentor after retiring in 1997. She was active in the Dubuque Area Retired School Personnel Association. Gretta and Verne traveled extensively in the United States visiting friends and family. They often hosted visitors and traveled abroad as part of the DUBUQUE FRIENDSHIP FORCE. The Klings were active members of GRANDVIEW AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH for over forty years. Gretta held several positions of leadership.
Gretta was predeceased by her parents, sisters, and husband, Verne (2019). She is survived by daughters Karen Kling Elder (Brian) of Leonia, NJ; Karlene Kling Fenderson of Spartanburg SC; and Kevin D. Kling (Juliana) of San Antonio, TX; eight grandchildren; six step- grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
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Source:
Obituaries, Telegraph Herald, April 28, 2024, p. 11A
