Gary Paul Kling

Gary Paul Kling, 80, of Elkhart, died peacefully in his home on February 15, 2022.  Gary was born October 6, 1941 in Elkhart to Paul and Beulah (Troxel) Kling.

On September 1, 1963 he married Pamela Wenger in Elkhart., who survives along with a son, Dave (Donna) Kling and daughter-in-law Traci Kling.  Also surviving are six grandchildren, Dustin (Sara) Kling, Courtney (Joel) Chrobak, Jordan (Rebecca) Kling, Kyle (Ann) Kling, Dr. Kendall Kling and Jenna Early; six great grandchildren (Jeffrey, Cora, Charlotte, Gabriel, Carson and Marcus.)

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, Roger, Wayne, Ron and son, Jeff Kling.

Gary graduated from Elkhart High School in 1959 and spent most of his working life as a carpenter.  He worked for his brother, Wayne, at Kling Home Improvement until his death in 1979.   In fact, Gary built his house with this crew and he and Pam have lived there since 1967.   He then worked for himself doing all types of building, finish work, remodeling, roofing, you name it. 

Gary was an avid sportsman.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had several hunting spots in the area. In recent years he liked to hunt turkey.  He and Pam had so much fun fishing and vacationing with friends Myron and Sandy Miller at Crooked Lake in the U.P of Michigan for over thirty years where Gary taught his grandchildren to fish.

Baseball, basketball, softball and bowling were other sports that Gary was passionate about.  He coached at Cleveland Little League for many years, when his sons, Jeff and Dave, played and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the boys grow and develop in their skills. 

Gary was such a faithful husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He was also faithful to his favorite teams, the LA Dodgers and Cleveland Browns.

An important part of Gary’s life was growing in his faith. He participated in bible studies, Emmaus Walk, Promisekeepers and was a part of several churches, Elkhart City Church of the Brethren, Trinity U.M, Goshen First United Methodist and currently Osceola United Methodist.

His final words about his faith were: “I want to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and strength”.

Visitation for Gary will be Friday, February 25 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  His memorial service will be on Saturday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Osceola United Methodist Church with Pastor Daryl Gilbert officiating. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service.  Memorials may be given to Osceola U.M. Church, Cleveland Little League, or the charity of your choice.

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