Charlotte Kling

A Funeral service for Charlotte M. Kling, 85, of Pauls Valley, OK, formerly of Dunn Center, will be 2:00 p. m. , Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Normanna Lutheran Church in Dunn Center with Pastor Rachel Simonson officiating.


Charlotte Maxine Kling left this world surrounded by her children and in the prayers of her grandchildren on Wednesday, January 2nd in Oklahoma. She was 85 years old. She has been reunited in heaven with her parents, a brother, three sisters, a son, and a great-granddaughter.


Charlotte was born to Berdien and Marian (Morrell) Kling in their home in Dunn Center, North Dakota. She was raised on the family farm near Dunn Center. Her brother and sisters shared work, play and love. Their home was filled with many happy times of festivals, games and parties. Remembered as a tomboy, Charlotte grew into an adventurous woman. She worked hard but she also took the time to enjoy life. Her travels took her far and wide, from coast to coast. She was a horsewoman, she fished, water-skied, and even tried surfing while in Hawaii. Throughout her life she continued one of her greatest passions, she danced. Charlotte fulfilled her childhood dream of having a career as a teacher. She began teaching when she was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school. In the early years of her career she rode her horse, Bess, to the school with her lunch pail. She would arrive early enough to start the fire in the potbelly wood-burning stove to warm the classroom for her students. Teaching brought many blessings to her life. Beyond the trials were the sweet, honest, loving faces and quick hugs that were an intrinsic reward second to none. She was introduced as “one of my favorite teachers” or “the one who helped me most”. Charlotte’s biggest dream of all was to have a family of her own. She raised six children. She was very proud of her family. Her home was always filled with laughter and love and was always open to family and friends. Her children grew up very close and helpful to each other. They worked hard and learned what it takes to succeed in life. They stood by her no matter what kind of trial she needed their support to get through. She loved being a grandmother. She made mudpies, played dress-up, attended baseball games and recitals. She proudly recounted her grandchildren’s successes. Her teaching spirit was not contained by the walls of a classroom. She taught through the experiences she shared in her garden, her kitchen, her smile, her hugs and her loving, generous heart. Even though she retired, she never stopped teaching. Charlotte was fondly remembered for her deep love and faith in the Lord God, her warm smile, her generous heart, the sparkle in her eyes, her adventurous nature, her persevering spirit, and the many laughter filled meals she shared with loved ones.


She is survived by her three sisters, Doris (Gerald) Riemer of North Dakota, Bernadine Feist of Montana and Shirley (Richard) Basiliere of Vermont; two sons, Don (Marcella) Hall of Oregon, Roger Hall of North Dakota; three daughters, Pam Hall, Tammy (Phil) Jennings, and Colette Berg of Oklahoma; ten grandchildren, Dale (Kristin) Charging, Dean Bear, Marty (Jessica) YoungBear, Lindsey Smith of North Dakota, Sasha Luger, Kesha (Chris) Vaughn of Colorado, Ruth (Bill) Swaney of Montana, Wasey (Mikka) Lamar, Krisha Blevins of Oklahoma, Skye Hall of Minnesota and fourteen great-grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her parents; Brother, Jimmy Kling; Sisters, Mildred Torgerson and infant twins; Sister-at-heart, Vivian Knutson; Son, Mervel James Hall; and great-granddaughter, Little Feather Charging.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: January 8, 2013
Funeral Home Killdeer, ND

Funeral service: Tuesday: Normanna Lutheran Church, Dunn Center, ND