Donald Don Kling

(“Sonny” to Family, “Red” to Friends and co-workers)

Donald Kling 79, of Loveland passed away January 8th, 2015 after a two week stay at McKee Medical Center. He was moved to Pathways Hospice on January 6th, he went peacefully.

Don was born March 7th, 1935 at his parents’ home in Ft. Collins, the first son to Victor and Lydia (Buderus) Kling. In 1945 the family moved to a farm in north Ft. Collins. In 1948 they moved to the Akin Farm. In 1957 the family moved to a farm in the Buckeye area north of Wellington where he helped harvest sugar beets and alfalfa. He also loved spending time with his younger brothers, always being the leader of their pack. It was 1960 when the family moved back to Fort Collins. One of Don’s first jobs after moving to town was delivering milk for Graves Dairy and liked to tell the story of how he took his baby brother around with him on his route. Don then moved on to construction work, working for the companies of Flatiron, Sterling and Western Mobile as a loader operator. His co-workers liked to call Don, “Red” because of his red hair. As a young man, Don also served in the National Guard for 7 years.

Don met his one true love Darlene Jones through close mutual friends. They were married September 2nd, 1966. Don and Darlene settled into a home in Fort Collins where they lived for 31 years. They had a son Dennis, and a daughter Denise (Kelley). Don loved spending time with his children; both were very active in sports and school. Don and Darlene moved to Loveland once he was retired. Don became a Crossing Guard in 1993 and spent most of his time on what he called “his corner” at 37th and Duffield. He was known as “Grandpa” to the kids and was able to watch many of the kids grow up as he continued to do the crossing until 2010. He loved that his own Grandchildren had to use that corner too as he could check in with them every day.

Don had six grandchildren that were his world. Cody (CJ) Kling of Arvada Colorado, Tyler Kling, Anna Kling, Calvin Kelley, Camryn Kelley, and Alexis Ruhman all of Loveland, Colorado. Don also had a great grandson Russell Scott Kling who is just a little over a year old. Don enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, he tried to go to as many games as he could, sometimes even sitting in his truck to watch football games. He went to choir concerts, and many family dinners. He was always the story teller of the family and he would have everyone laughing so hard they could hardly eat.

Don’s biggest past times were fishing, listening to polka music, collecting John Deere memorabilia and watching sports. His favorite team was Colorado State University where he was able to watch his son play football in the late 80’s. He watched many Loveland High School football games as well, having all three of his grandsons playing along the way. He liked other sports as well (as long as a grand kid was doing it) but football was his love. He was a big Broncos fan, but a true CSU Ram fan at heart. Don and Darlene were boosters there and had season tickets for many years. He was so excited when CSU got to go to a bowl game this past year.

Don is survived by his wife; Darlene, his son; Dennis (Kristin), his daughter; Denise, brothers; Richard (Kate) and Alan (Donna), grandchildren; CJ, Tyler, Anna, Alexis, Calvin and Camryn, a great-grandson; Russell, a niece; Kari, and nephews; Aaron, Jarod & Matt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don’s name can be sent to Pathways Hospice or Trinity United Methodist Church.