"I recently learned of your father's passing from Vera Bierbaum. During my several visits to Shenandoah, I had the honor to become friends with both your parents. They used to come to the Eagles when I entertained and I stopped by their home a few times to visit. I have met lots of wonderful people during my career as a country entertainer, but I have to say, I have not enjoy anyone's friendship more than Norm and Margaret. We had many visits about KMA and Shan, my cousin Chuck Davis was an announcer and his sisters sang there in the 40s and 50s. You have my most sincere sympathy. I feel my life was enriched by knowing them. "
In loving memory of
Norman Kling
January 26, 1926 - July 20, 2012
Norman Lee Kling, 86, of Shenandoah, Iowa, passed away Friday, July 20, at Westview Care Center in Indianola surrounded by his children. Norman was born Jan. 26, 1926, in Council Bluffs to Martin Luther Kling and Ellen Kling. He grew up on a farm near Emerson and moved to Shenandoah while in the eighth grade. When Norman's dad died in 1940, he went to work at Colonial Poultry Farms hatchery at the age of 16 to support his mother and himself. It was at the hatchery when he first dated Margaret Greenwalt.
Norman enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and attended the Great Lakes Naval Academy in Chicago and then radio school at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. It was here when Norman chose to become a submariner. After submarine school he completed his radar schooling (which at that time was top secret) in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. He continued his education in San Diego at sonar school aboard the U.S.S. Tautog. Kling was assigned to the U.S.S. Sirago in Portsmouth N.H. They slept beside the sub as it was being constructed.
After he was discharged from the Navy, Norman returned to Shenandoah and married his longtime sweetheart, Margaret Greenwalt, June 12, 1946, in Shenandoah where they proudly raised their family. He began his long-time career as a broadcast engineer at KMA radio in 1949 and also sold and repaired televisions at Kling/Lund Television for many years. Norman also recorded and dubbed tapes for Kitchen Klatter, which was the longest-running homemaker show in U.S. radio history. He retired from KMA radio as chief engineer in 1989.
Norman was an amateur ham radio operator with the call sign of W0JGN and was also an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman and loved spending time at the 22 Gun Club farm. He was an excellent trap shooter and traveled throughout Iowa competing. He shared his love of fishing with his wife Margaret whom he helped up and down the banks of the Nishnabotna. Norman was a member of the First Christian Church in Shenandoah and a member of the American Legion since 1946.
A year after Margaret's death, Norman moved to Westview Care Center in Indianola. Although he only lived a short time in Indianola, he loved the care he received at Westview.
Norman is survived his children, Benny (Nancy) Kling of Bloomfield, N.M.; Bob (Susan J.) Kling of Indianola; and Carolea (Mark) Miller of Le Mars; six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; nieces, nephews, one brother-in-law, Harley Greenwalt and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margaret; his parents; one brother, Elder Kling; and sisters Velma and Mildred Kling and one great-grandchild, James Kling.
Memorials may be made to the Shenandoah American Legion. Visitation for friends and family is from 6 to 8 p.m., Tues., July 24, at Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m., Wed., July 25, also at Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home followed by military graveside services at Rose Hill Cemetary. A luncheon will follow at the First Christian Church in Shenandoah.
Tributes
"Oh my goodness, I loved Mr. and Mrs. Kling. My mom often talked fondly of them and told stories about when they were neighbors. She loved living by them. I hope they have reconnected...Blessings to all of you. "
"Bob, I have been out of town. I met your Dad once and enjoyed our conversation. My sympathies. "
"I will always cherish the times with Norm and Margaret. My girls enjoyed their company so much, and when they were little Norm would sing to them. He was fun to work with at KMA. I remember one day he brought a well-preserved dead bird back to the station from the transmitter site and scared the be-jeezus out of Evie Saner (she was terrified of birds). His devotion to all of you was truly a gift and you are so lucky to have had him in your lives all these years. I will miss him dearly."
"Bob, My wife and I just want to express to you that we are very sorry for the loss of your father. I am sure that he was an essential element in shaping your life and that your sense of humor and joy of life originated from him so many years ago. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming days ahead. "
"Norm is now a Silent Key, a term used by ham radio operators who have passed. I recall the stories about his broadcasting experience at the Society of Broadcast Engineer Meetings in Omaha. Norm was one of those engineers that many times had to make do with what he had. He was a real professional in the business. 73 (a greeting used in ham radio when signing, meaning best regards) Dave Messing K0RWM Nebraska City, NE "
"Bob & Susie, I remember the first time I met both your mom & dad. You had invited me to stop by their home and meet you/them when I was riding through Shenandoah on Ragbrai some years ago. They impressed me with their hospitality and even invited me in to the kitchen and offered me a ham sandwich. You mom had your dad get me some mustard and they insisted I put some on my sandwich. When I squeezed the mustard bottle, it explode with yellow string and scared the crap out of me. Of course, your parents and you were all rolling on the floor laughing at me. That's when I learned where you, Bob, learned that it's ok to have a good laugh. Especially at someone else's expense. I'm sure your parents are up beyond the pearly gates looking down and remembering and laughing. Bless you and your family."
"Norman and Margaret were good neighbors and friends, when we came to this neighborhood they received us very warmly and we had the opportunity of sharing good times with them, they made us feel like we were family. Norman: my family will always remember you with love Jorge Gutierrez and family"
"I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Kling's passing. I will always remember his great smile and his laugh. He has left a great family that will always be his legacy."
"I was fortunate to work with Norm for many years at KMA. He was great to work with, but he was also a great friend. Norm knew how to have a good time with few resources. Norm took me on my first duck hunt at the 22 Club. I imagine he initiated many to the sport. Our conversations over the years were always fun and interesting. His devotion to Margaret was inspirational. I was lucky to have known him. I will cherish his memory."
"Norm was a wonderful person who our family enjoyed. He was loyal to KMA and did so much for the station over the years. He had a unique and enjoyable sense of humor too. We appreciated the friendship and we're grateful for having known him. Our condolences to the Kling family. The May's. "
"My thoughts are with the Kling family. I knew of Norman for many years as an engineer at KMA, then treating him so many times but even in illnesses he kept a smile on his face. He will be missed. "
"Bob and Carol Lee, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families as you mourn your dad's passing. He was such a kind man and family was first with him. He was a man that people in this community looked at with pride. Sending sympathy to all of you. I will be out of town so hugs will come next time we meet. Barb"
"sending my great sympathy toward his family i have know him since working at Kitchen-Klatter where he does the taping recording and i send them out after he review them and listen to them he a good and kind man very friendly too he will be sadly miss by all who know him rest in peace i am deaf and from Shenandoah Iowa"
"Bob- Your Dad was a special person. You Klings are GREAT people and I know all the people that knew your Dad were touched by having him in their life. He will always be with you....I know. "
"Norm was one of the good guys, always upbeat and ready to help. I always enjoyed visiting with he and Margaret and admired his devotion to her. I will always remember Norm taking me out to the 22 Club which he enjoyed so much. Rest in peace Norm, you did good."