At the age of 94, Della A. Klingberg entered the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday evening March 1, 2017. Della passed peacefully with family around her Friendship Manor Nursing Home bedside. She was a life-long resident of Spring Lake Township and the Prior Lake community.
Della’s life will be honored with a visitation on Saturday, March 4 from 3-6 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel and one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, March 5, at 3 pm, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Bruce Laabs will preside. Her great-grandchildren will be the pall bearers. Della will be laid to rest next to her husband Elmer at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Prior Lake, MN.
In Spring Lake Township, Della Agnes was born on November 18, 1922 to parents Arnhold G and Ella A. (Klingberg) Dorn. The oldest of three children, she grew up on the family farm with her siblings, LeRoy and Shirley. As a young girl, Della learned the values and morals of working hard, keeping her family close and having a strong faith in God. She attended a country school near Fish Lake through the eighth grade. During the winter months, Della and her siblings would trap Muskrats on the lake before and after school.
Della’s first jobs were as a housekeeper for the Morlock’s and later for her Uncle Gus. Della too learn the craft of hairstyling to earn some extra money. After she married, Della worked for the local chicken hatchery and as a cook at the Town Treat. She is best known as an icon as a school bus driver.
On Wednesday, August 26, 1942, Della married the love of her life, Elmer Johann Klingberg at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake, Prior Lake, MN. They were blessed with two children, LeArnold and Judy. In 1946, Della and Elmer purchased their first school bus and started a long career transporting children to and from school in Shakopee, until 1955. In 1952, they expanded the busing services to include Prior Lake. Della was the second woman in Minnesota to be licensed to drive school buses. She had a lot of trials in achieving this milestone, but Della’s determination prevailed. As the students stepped on her bus, Della greeted them with a smile and hug and on their birthday a kiss to make you sweet! Through the years, she nurtured and cared for each one like they were her owned. Bus rides were filled with lots of singing, especially hymns, and laughter.
Della had so many wonderful qualities. Generous – her front door was always open, with coffee and treats ready to be consumed. Determined – Della knew what she wanted and this was apparent in being very instrumental in getting social events for the seniors in Prior Lake. Knowledgeable – she was always in the know of current government affairs. Historian – Della kept track of all the deaths in the community. Social – she enjoyed being with people and truly loved the conversation. Faithful – Della was devoted to her faith and church. Dedicated – it was her family that was most important to Della. She loved her husband, children, but it was her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even her great-great grandchildren that were the light of her life. Della spoiled and loved every one of them from the first to the last.
In her spare time, Della loved cooking, sewing, quilting and working in her gardens. She enjoyed watching the birds, playing cards and her favorite past time of fishing. Della asks of her family and friends, “Keep God in your family and go to church. Teach your children and family to read the bible.”
Left to honor Della’s life and carry on the legacy is her son, LeArnold (Judie) Klingberg; daughter, Judy Sullivan; grandchildren, Jim Klingberg, Joan (Jeff) Young, Joe (Kris) Sullivan, Julie (Mark) Westman; great-grandchildren, Jayme (TC), Joey, Ashley, Jordon, Jakob, Jace, Jessie, Joshua, Drew (Amanda), Nikki; great-great grandchildren, Ava, Amaraleigh, Analee, Gabriella; sister, Shirley (Loren) Stier; sister-in-law, Martha Dorn; many relatives and friends.
There to welcome Della home in heaven was her beloved husband of 70 years, Elmer; son-in-law, John Sullivan; parents, John and Ella; brother LeRoy Dorn; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lois Klingberg, Leo Klingberg, Harvey (Luverne) Klingberg, and Elvira (Adolph) Luedke.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Klingberg family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
