It has been wonderful to read the memories and thoughts
of those who knew my sister so well. She loved teaching and her
students very much. We spent many hours discussing educational
issues and she shared many wonderful stories from her years in the
classroom. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She
was fun to be with and always had a hug, smile and friendly tale to
share. I loved her very much and will miss her laughter, hugs,
funny stories and good advice. To all former colleagues and
students I say thank you for sharing in her life and for letting us
share some of the memories of her time spent with you. She was one
of the best and I know she is smiling now just for having shared so much
fun with all of us.
Denise Nagy
Linda's Sister
Thank you all for your kind words and terrific stories.
My mother loved her work because of all of you. She was ALWAYS involved with some project that included teachers or students or parents or any combination of these
groups. We as a family really appreciate all the great stories and memories.
The best part is that we have heard them all before because she was telling us her version of these same stories for the last 30+years.
Thank you all for the time and experiences that you shared with my mom and for sharing them with us.
Chris Kling
Linda's Son
I will miss my favorite Aunt tremendously. This came to me via e-mail a day before she passed
away:
"When we are born we come into this world crying and everyone else is smiling.
Live your life so that when you die, you are smiling and everyone else is
crying." It makes me feel good to know she is smiling!!
Amy White
Linda's Niece
Although Linda and I shared a last name, we were not related by blood. But, we always laughed and said, "that we were related in our mission for kids and in spirit."
I had the honor of teaching ITI classes with Linda for almost 4 years.
Not only did she touch the lives of everyone she met, but she was my mentor in so many ways.
I learned so much from her about teaching and learning.
Everyone used to ask if Linda was my mother. That always gave us a big laugh (I'm 18 years younger.)
We would always reply that they were confused and that I was her mother.
That usually left people scratching their heads.
Linda, I will always carry your spirit in my heart. You will be missed.
Kari Kling
Fellow Teacher and Friend
I am deeply saddened over the death of a person I was proud to call my friend.
My admiration of Linda began when she was an aide at Supai and continued as she became a driving force for good education in Scottsdale.
She and I worked together at Supai and Ingleside, as well as doing consultant work for Susan
Kovalik.
My fondest memory of Linda was when we were at an ITI institute in Lake Tahoe.
Both of us were learning club leaders. I had a poster I had worked on diligently prior to flying to Tahoe.
To my dismay, the poster has become creased during the flight. Linda said, "You know, you could iron it." "Yea, right, " I replied.
She convinced me that it was a technique that really would work. I remember thinking, as I set up the ironing board, "I'll bet she's just teasing me and she's going to laugh at me for actually ironing a poster."
To my surprise, her technique actually worked. She had my complete trust from that day forward.
My deepest sympathy goes to Tom and the boys. May God give you comfort and peace as you mourn with us the passing of a truly great lady.
Jean Fuller (Spanko)
Former Supai music teacher; 1964-1970
Linda was a fine teacher, an outstanding mom, a wonderful wife and a fine human
being. She was outstanding with her students and a highly skilled
math teacher. There are many that will miss her-family, students,
friends, teaching peers. Her contributions to the welfare of so many who came into contact with her is not measurable but long lasting and
significant in their impact.
Jerry Begalman
Former Supai Principal
My prayers go out to Chris & Gary, they were my neighbors for
years. I have lots of fond memories of your Mom and playing in
Blake's front yard. And who could forget Herman! God Bless your whole family.
Maryann LaGue (McAllen)
Class of 1978
In my two years at Arcadia in the late eighties, Linda Kling was always a smiling face to greet you each day. Those who worked with her know her to be an outstanding teacher and one of the most pleasant people you would want to be around. We will all miss you.
Bob Burger
Supai Principal
If I had to choose my fondest memory of Linda Kling, I just couldn't choose one.
I remember Mrs. Kling to be one of the nicest most patient teachers in the whole world.
She took the time to talk and get to know each and everyone of us.
I am so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to talk about the "good
ol' days" and to catch up on the last 22 years at our most recent reunion at
Studebakers.
I now not only have fond memories as a child but as an adult.
Mary Striebel
Class of 1976
My fondest memory of Linda, was her patience and ability to tolerate Paul Muma's antics and "mouth" in our
8th grade home class.
In an effort to assist Linda and refrain Paul from his constant class
interruptions, I wrote him a very nasty and anonymous note. Paul was very hurt, when between him and his best buddy, Eric
Bittinger, they figured out it was me that wrote it. Of course, I ended up apologizing to Paul, but it was the most two quiet weeks in Paul's life.
Little did we know at the time, now that Paul is no longer with us, this was to become his distinct trademark.
I tried Linda...at least you had peace for two weeks.
Linda's always present positive attitude, continual encouragement, obvious heartfelt concern and capacity for listening to each and every student, was an inspiration to us all.
I will always remember cleaning her classroom and as she wrote in my yearbook, "I wish some of your neat and orderly habits would rub off on me...they were much
appreciated." I can only say, there are no dirty classrooms in heaven Linda.
We love and we will miss you.
Tammy Bruggeman
Class of 1976
Mrs. Kling wrote this last January
to Tammy:
Glad to hear from you. We had a great time at the reunion.
Even though
Tom didn't know many of the students, he enjoyed seeing some of the
former faculty members. I, on the other hand, enjoyed seeing everyone!
All of the classmates have interesting stories to tell and successful
lives...the thought that a teacher may have had some small role in those
successes is the greatest reward there is.
My thoughts for faculty info on the web site would be to inquire about
whether they are retired, when did they retire, and what they are doing
now. Also might be interesting to ask them for a memorable
incident/experience during their tenure at Supai. One of mine would be
the trips to Big Surf for the eighth grade each year. Another would be
the "portables" in which I taught for the first several years and which
are long since gone.
Other than that I can't think of any good data to add, right off hand.
I encouraged Chris to get his info into the web site and hope that Gary
will do so also. I will corral him the next time they are here and get
him to sign on.
Happy 1999
Mrs. Kling
