Violet “Vi” Klingenberg, would like to let you know that her work here is done and she was tired of her weary body, so at the age of 86, Friday, March 24, 2023, she decided to leave her family peacefully, at her home in Holland, to have a reunion with family and friends whom she has not seen in a long time.
Vi had a great sense of humor, was a sharp dresser, and had a smile that lit up the room. She was extremely kind, gracious, humble, and giving. Vi was very social and really liked having a glass of wine at “happy hour” although she was a bit of a lightweight. Ironically, she had a competitive side when playing her favorite game of “Mahjong” which she played weekly. She was known for writing out cards for any and every occasion, you broke a nail, and she sent you a card. She lovingly stressed yearly writing her “Christmas poem” to make sure it included everyone with all their events and of course, it had to rhyme. Vi was born during the Great Depression and as a hardworking single mom of 5 children, she learned not to waste anything and carried this trait to a whole new level. She threw nothing away including food, which we occasionally ran into as a science experiment in the refrigerator. Vi enjoyed seeing her many cousins that would occasionally join her at the Crazy Horse restaurant. Vi had a very strong faith, she loved the Lord, her family, and her friends. She was affectionately known as “Nana” and she played this role particularly well. There wasn’t anything that she wouldn’t do for her grandchildren or family. She was in fact the undisputed, best mom and Nana of all time and will be missed greatly.
Vi’s father tragically died when she was only 9 years old. Vi graduated from Holland High in 1955. She worked at Michigan Bell before she married Tom Smith. They moved to Texas for a short while and she worked for Texas Bell before returning to Holland Michigan. She also worked at DuMez clothing store, John Thomas Batts of Zeeland, and the Holland Aquatic Center where she worked for 20 years before retiring in 2001. She was happily married to her friend and neighbor Raymond Klingenberg in 1986. Vi enjoyed travel and had many trips with friends and family. She was a devout Christian and a member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church.
Vi was born at home in Zeeland to John & Margaret Marlink in 1937. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Klingenberg, in 1993 and sister, Barb Eckwielen in 2019.
Vi is survived by her:
Children
Ann (Steve) Sanders of Eaton Rapids, MI
Vince (Jann) Smith of Holland
Mitch Smith of Holland
Warren Smith of Walker, MI
Laurie (Ron) Jones of Pompano Beach, FL
Grandchildren
Allison (Josh) Hummel
Kelsey (Aaron) Look
Savanah Jones
Brooke Jones
Karter Klingenberg
Kara Vanden Berg
Great Grandchildren
Chloe & Dakota Look
Holden & Parker Hummel
Sister
Joey (Jim) Boeve of Holland
and many Nieces and Nephews and Cousins
A celebration of life service is planned for 11:00 am Saturday, April 22, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., with Pastor Daniel Walcott officiating. Visitation and a celebration will follow from 12:00-2:00 pm, also at the funeral home. If you feel so led, in honor of “Violet” please wear something that is the color violet. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland and Gateway City Mission. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.
