Jean C. (Moreland) Klingel

Jean C. Klingel, 93, of Kalamazoo, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born November 2, 1929, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Loyola (Lyle) Moreland and Alice (Byington) Moreland. 

Jean was raised in Kalamazoo on a farm with her eight siblings. She attended St. Augustine Cathedral School.  On June 17, 1950, she married William W. Klingel who preceded her in death on April 6, 2002.

She and her husband, Bill, raised their family in Paw Paw. She loved working as a store manager at Ruby's Apparel when her children were older. She and Bill were avid golfers and Jean was proud of her three holes in one! They also loved to play cards. Her passion for cards continued up to her final days. Over the years she competed in many Bridge tournaments.

In addition to golf and cards, she was an all-around sports fan. Every year she would fill out a bracket to be in the pool for March Madness. Jean led an active life and never let anything slow her down. She cherished her grandchildren and was always there to support them at their sporting events. 

She is survived by her five daughters:  Karen (Shane) Klingel-Yu, Janice (Louie) Abnet, Kitty (Gordy) Vader, Judy (Paul) Cutting, and Amy (Jay) Plucinski; one son, Rick (Jenny) Klingel; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters:  Kathleen (Kitty) Hatridge and Elizabeth (Bette) Maloney. 

Jean was preceded in death by her Son-in-Law, Marty Flatland, and siblings Maynard Moreland, Donald Moreland, Edwin Moreland, William Moreland, RuthMary Balge, and Helen Pituch.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 421 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo. Family and friends will be received at the church at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial mass beginning at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Father Paul Redmond officiating. Please join us for a luncheon at the parish hall following the service. The interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Paw Paw after the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice of SW Michigan) or St. Thomas More Church.

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