Businesswoman, horsewoman & homemaker Colleen Kay Kling of Middleton, Idaho died of complications due to COVID-19 on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 73. Her death comes less than one month before her 53rd wedding anniversary to husband Larry E. Kling.
“Colleen was extremely outgoing and genuinely interested in people. She would strike up a conversation with almost anyone she met and within minutes would know more about that person that you could imagine. She was sincerely interested in learning about people.
Of course, she was responsible for the majority of our friends. She was extremely hospitable and loved to cook and our house was always full of people. Colleen was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and would stand up to anyone who slighted them. She was extremely devout in her Christian faith and responsible for bringing countless people to the Lord,” said Larry Kling.
Born in Williston, North Dakota on January 25, 1947, Colleen K. Kling was the daughter of Harold C. and Florence P. Johnsrud. Her father was a prominent cattle rancher and her mother was a homemaker. Colleen grew up on her parents’ farm and ranch in North Dakota, before attending college at Dickinson State College and San Jose State University where she studied English literature and journalism.
In 1967, Colleen married Larry and became highly involved in supporting her husband as an officer and director in various companies including Transit Homes of America, a nationwide trucking company.
“My mother was bold and passionate about her views, never minced words and always acted with conviction. I always knew that I was loved completely and unconditionally and her love for me was constant and strong. I used to say that Mom was my defense attorney on all matters,” said Shawn Kling on his mother’s passing. “She was extremely well read and very interested and adept at current events, politically, economically and socially. She was exceptionally proud of her children and her contributions to my parents’ trucking company. She was truly the unsung hero of its success and was a beloved and irreplaceable part of our family and community.”
An accomplished horsewoman, Colleen received numerous honors from the equine world, including nearly 100 buckles for rodeo team penning, cutting & ranch sorting. Up until her death, she and her husband participated in U.S. Team Penning Association events across the country, Colleen Kling also loved playing tennis and was active in her pursuit of the sport. She also loved to travel and enjoyed telling stories about her many trips to Europe.
An active Christian counselor, she worked closely with members of her community bringing faith and hope to those in need.
‘She was much more than a mother,” said daughter Heather Shelly. “She was truly a rock and my go-to on all matters. We had a ritual call every morning and I never started my day without speaking to her. She was the family matriarch and her thoughtfulness extended beyond her immediate family.”
Colleen Kay Kling is survived by her husband Larry E. Kling of Middleton Idaho, son Shawn Kling of Nashville, Tennessee, daughter Heather Shelly and son-in-law Aran Shelly of North Tustin, California, granddaughters Moorea, Mercedes, Madison, grandson Carson, great-grandson Cash and great-granddaughter Emerson.
Visitation services will be held at Bowman Chapel 10254 West Carlton Bay Drive, Garden City, Idaho from 7:00-10:00 pm on December 3rd and 9:00 am -12:00 pm on December 4th. A funeral service will be held on December 7th at 10:00am to watch the service please go to https://vimeo.com/487470290 password: bowmanlive. A private burial will follow the service at Dry Creek Cemetery.
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The Wright Family says
December 2, 2020 at 6:10 pmThe entire Kling family is in our thoughts and prayers. Colleen had a way of making everyone she met feel like family. Watching her love her children so fiercely was inspiring. She was an exemplary Mother, motivating woman, friend to so many and best lawyer around….. Especially when it came to her children. She will be missed by so many each and every day. Heaven gained an Angel and her fingerprints on the world and her family will remain for eternity.
Roger Segers says
December 2, 2020 at 7:14 pmLarry our deepest love for you and condolences. We will always cherish the way Colleen always made every effort to make you feel like you were family no matter who you were. Love to you my friend Roger s. And Suzanne W.
Richard and Sheran Johnsrud and all our girls says
December 2, 2020 at 9:57 pmWe will miss Colleen and the energy she brought to our family gatherings.
Tina Holliday says
December 2, 2020 at 10:20 pmAll my love, condolences and endless prayers.
God Bless
Tina Holliday
Archie Gronvold says
December 3, 2020 at 6:15 amSo sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family. Hold on to the Memories.
Kay Elvrum says
December 3, 2020 at 2:17 pmMy heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the family and friends who loved Colleen.
I will fondly remember her support and encouragement to my daughter Kelly and her husband, Colleen’s nephew, Nolan. God bless her soul and send comfort those who miss her.
Bill & Cindy Wright says
December 4, 2020 at 6:09 amOur sincere condolences to Shawn and the Kling family. Our thoughts are with you.
Martha Carty says
December 4, 2020 at 10:23 amDearest Larry, Shawn and Heather,
My heart is broken over the loss of Colleen.
I know the pain your are experiencing and the emptiness that comes without her presence. But God is able to help each of you through with the help of His Holy Spirit and all your wonderful supportive friends. Lean on them heavily and ask for help when needed. I am praying for God to touch your broken hearts and to surround you with all His peace and love.
All my love
Justin and Ingrid Cole says
December 4, 2020 at 11:13 amWe are so sorry for your loss. Colleen was such an awesome person. Getting the chance to meet her has left us with lessons of charity, gratitude, passion and joy. She makes me proud of my faith since she lived it to the core. The world won’t soon forget as she definitely left a legacy and mark on those she left behind. Lots of love <3
Karen Rolfsrud Kirmis says
December 4, 2020 at 3:42 pmTo Larry and your family,
My sincerest condolences upon the loss of your beloved wife and mother. I knew Colleen as a teenager. She brought sparkle and joy to our lives. I will never forget her. I can imagine her with the angels, leading them in some crazy wonderful antics! May your memories and the home that she created with Larry bring you comfort and joy.
Don Bailey says
December 6, 2020 at 6:54 pmLarry,
I’m so sorry to hear about losing Colleen I wanted to go to the funeral but under the situations of the Covid it’s impossible. My love and my blessings and prayers are with you, I love you brother, Don
Mike & Jean Holbrook says
December 7, 2020 at 11:10 amLarry and family,
We are so sad with the passing of Colleen. We just watched the funeral virtual and when you cried, we cried, when you laughed, we did too. We miss the larger than life spirit that Colleen presented daily. We can never forget her and how she loved life. Our prayers are with you and the family. The service was beautiful. Thank you
Ronald Quale says
December 7, 2020 at 11:38 amSo sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. We and all her friends and family will miss her. May God’s love surround you all. Ron and Barb Quale
Gary and Lory Salberg says
December 7, 2020 at 11:42 amLarry, Shawn, Heather, and Family,
Thank you for sharing your memories of Colleen with us through her memorial service! She truly was inspirational and continues to be through all of you! We lift you up to God as each one of you continues on with the legacies she left with you. You are a beautiful family!
Tim And Darlene Holliday says
December 7, 2020 at 1:46 pmWe are so so sorry for your loss. Colleen was a beautiful woman full of life.
A life well lived and loved.
Our deepest sympathy to Shawn, Larry and your family
Love
Tim and Darlene Holliday
God bless you
Sandi Magistri says
December 7, 2020 at 1:59 pmLarry, I wanted to reach out to you and send my deepest sorrow for your loss of Colleen. I am sorry ?. I just couldn’t believe what had happened. It’s been so many years ago but remembering the fun times we had when we hauled our horses to your old place in Idaho and stayed with you guys and then we all drove to Montana to a Penning. Great times and great memories. She was a great Lady and friend and I’ll never forget all the talks we had and visits at the penning’s. RIP Colleen ❤️ Sandi Magistri
Maureen Laqua says
December 22, 2020 at 11:36 amMy deepest sympathy to the family of Colleen. She was a special lady. I remember going to the ranch with her a couple times and of course, our year together in Norway. She will be missed by many. Cherish the memories to help get through the tough days and holidays. Rest In Peace dear friend. We will meet again one day. ??❤️?❤️??
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