Patricia Klingenberg

Patricia Klingenberg was an extraordinary woman who colored her world with the vibrant facets of her personality just by being who she was each and every day. Whether she was teaching an art class, skiing down the majestic mountains of Colorado, or enjoying the company of her granddaughters, Pat continually carried herself with zest and passion, bringing light and life to those around her.

The 1950’s were a decade of change within the world of art as abstract expressionism works, like those of Jackson Pollock, received official recognition at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Jean Kort, of Mahwah, New Jersey was preparing for her own time of change as well; as she was due to give birth to her baby at any time. She was indeed blessed on October 8, 1953 with the healthy birth of her daughter, Patricia. As one of six children in her family, Pat established a love for playing sports at an early age and was fortunate to always have other opponents and players available right under her own roof. Not only was Pat involved in various sports as a young girl, but she also developed a passion for art and could often be found drawing something; she was especially gifted at charcoal drawing and painting as well. Pat attended high school in Mahwah which is located in northeastern New Jersey and eventually graduated from the public school there.

Upon high school graduation, Pat pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an art teacher and enrolled at Hope College, located in Holland, Michigan. Her college days earned her more than just a degree, however, as she met a young man named Steve Klingenberg whom she married in 1973. Pat graduated from Hope in 1974 with a degree in both English and art. She found employment at Hamilton High where she taught an art class for one year.

Life became more exciting for Pat and Steve when they were blessed with the births of their two sons, Kyle, in 1979, and Justin, in 1983. Pat embraced her role as a mother, selflessly tending to the needs of her two sons and filling them with her unconditional love and support. The Klingenbergs created many memories together as a family; they enjoyed taking vacations, often to Colorado’s Summit County to enjoy the skiing and to Florida to enjoy the beautiful warm weather in the spring as well. Another favorite leisure activity for their family was boating as they owned both a power and a sail boat which they enjoyed in the beautiful waters off the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. In 1983, Pat joined Steve in providing for their family income by aiding in running their business, Major Brand Oil Company.

There were many additional interests that Pat enjoyed pursuing when she was able. She enjoyed a wide variety of music including everything from Janis Joplin to the emotional expressions of classical music. Pat continued to remain active and was a member of the Prince Tennis Center for a time and was also a member of the Holland Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf. Pat had been a member of the Holland Junior Welfare League, a non-profit, charitable organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, by fostering the spirit of involvement in enriching the lives of the youth of the Holland community. Pat was very health conscious and often ate organic foods and was partial to sea food as well.

Later in her life, Pat experienced some changes and difficulties that impacted her for what would be the remainder of her life. Although Pat and Steve divorced in 2001, they remained business partners, continuing to operate the company they owned together since the early 1980’s. For the past 16 years Pat struggled to recover from a stroke that she experienced in her early forties. Although Pat's physical capacity was challenged, her heart remained the same and she continued to treasure the family she was blessed with. Pat was thrilled when she was given not one, but two granddaughters to love, she delighted in the opportunity to experience the delightful world of girls. She adored Olivia and Esmay; she cherished each moment she had with them. Pat gained strength from her faith and her church family at Christ Memorial Church of Holland where she had been a long standing member.

Pat Klingenberg was a gifted artist with an energetic spirit who brought light and life to all those who were placed in her path. She had a compassionate heart and often set aside her own needs to tend to the needs of others. Pat lived her life to its fullest, even though it wasn’t always easy and she viewed her children and grandchildren as her most precious asset. Pat spent her lifetime making memories which will be forever cherished by those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed.

Patricia J. Klingenberg, of Holland, MI, died on Friday, January 23, 2009 at Hospice House of Holland. Pat’s family includes her sons, Kyle (Mandy) Klingenberg of Saugatuck, and Justin Klingenberg of Holland. Granddaughters, Olivia and Esmay Klingenberg, mother, Jean Kort of Mahwah, N.J., parents-in-law- Tony and Ann Klingenberg of Holland, brothers, Thomas (Jeanne) Kort of Grandville, Ronald (Kim) Kort of Highland Falls, N.Y. and Kevin Kort of Traverse City, MI., sisters, Debbie (Steve) Matson of Mahwah, N.J. and Cynthia (Thomas) Hendrix of South Jersey. Funeral services will be held Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd. in Holland with Rev. Bill Boersma officiating. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Visit with Pat’s family and friends on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the chapel of Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes - Mulder Chapel - Holland, MI, 188 W. 32nd St. Please visit Patty’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Holland.