Richard Leo Klingenberg Sr.

Richard Leo Klingenberg, Sr., age 91, of Valley Center, Kansas, peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on October 5, 2023. He was born on March 5, 1932, in Enid, Oklahoma, the 10th of 13 children, to the late Martin and Freda (Jones) Klingenberg.

Life for Richard or Leo, as his family called him, began by attending school in Galesburg, Kansas. In his off time, Richard joined his father and brothers as they traveled throughout many states, such as, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma harvesting crops for farmers. This was a truly treasured time in his youth. After graduation, Richard worked as a riveter with Boeing Aircraft from 1950-1952, before joining the Army in August of ’52. He served war time as a paratrooper for a little over a year, eventually transferring to the U.S. Army Reserves for another 8 years. It was during this time he’d meet and marry Carol, the mother of his children: son, Richard, Jr. and daughters, Linda, and Debra Jolene.

To support his new family, Richard delivered milk in the Newton and McPherson, Kansas areas as well as sold auto parts for Garnett Auto Supply in Wichita. He was an active member of Valley Center Christian Church where he served as an elder, enjoyed calling on people, and teaching Sunday School. It was through this faith, that after Carol's passing in 1982, Richard later met and married Judith (Gray), who came with bonus children, Joseph and Teresa, whom he was proud to call his own.

Life now consisted of traveling to see family, such as his older brother Marion in Oklahoma or stayed close to home where brother Charles lives in Derby. He attended class reunions, loved everything chocolate (especially German chocolate ice cream), and was an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan. He held the title of Master of Wichita Mason Lodge #99, and twice was Worthy Patron for the Rose Douglas Chapter, #475, of the Order of the Eastern Star. There was time spent on bowling leagues with wife Judy, and the pair often headed to KAW Nation Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma, with his brother, Lester and sister-in-law, Kathy, to play Bingo all day. If they returned to Wichita by 5 p.m., he’d say, “Let’s go play more,” and they’d hit the local parlors and play sometimes until 10pm!

Richard’s life was full, and though dementia took many memories, there are those left to carry his legacy on. These include wife, Judy; children: Richard (Anita) Klingenberg, Jr., Linda Klingenberg, Joseph (Amy) Pierce, and Teresa Rankin; brother, Charles Klingenberg and sister, Pat Claypool; grandchildren: Karen Kay Klingenberg, Alicia (Jerry) Snearly, Julia Pierce, Bradley (Brooke) Pierce, Kevin Pierce, Alyssa (Dominic) Cicero, A.J. Rankin, and Benjamin Rankin; great-grandchildren: Emerson Snearly, Vaughn Snearly, Jackson Pierce, Rowan Pierce, and Mabel Pierce; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Those who have gone before are: his parents, sisters: Marie, Joyce, Evadne, and Helen; brothers: Marion, Guy, Raymond, Lloyd, Cecil, and Lester; his first wife, Carol; and daughter, Debra Jolene Jacobs.

The family is thankful for their pastor, and the many family, and friends who have been steadfast by their sides through this journey.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Richards’ memory, the family asks for memorials to be made to: Wichita’s Quilts of Valor, P.O. Box 771452, Wichita, Kansas, 67277.

A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a funeral service at 3:00 PM, followed by a graveside committal in the Garden of Gospels, all at at Resthaven Mortuary and Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS, 67209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Klingenberg family.