At the age of 79, Nancy Lee Klingberg passed away peacefully and on her own terms the morning of Monday, March 12, 2018 at New Perspective Senior Living, in Prior Lake, MN. A resident of Prior Lake, she lived each day to the fullest and wasn’t afraid of anything. The wonderful personality of Nancy, lit up any room that she entered and brought life to any gathering.
Nancy’s life will be honored with a time of gathering on Friday, March 16, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. An additional time of gathering will be on Saturday, March 17 from 9:30-10:45am, with a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church 5634 Luther Road SE, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor John P. Vaughn will preside. Her pallbearers will be Lisa Bowyer, Ann Cadwell, Joel Klingberg, Erik Rhode, Ashlee Sames and Rich Stahura. Nancy will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Prior Lake, MN.
Martin John and Beulah Elizabeth (Spangenberg) Weninger, the proud parents, announced the birth of their daughter, Nancy Lee born on February 12, 1939, in St. Paul, MN. She was the third of six children. Nancy grew up in St. Paul, along with her siblings, Billy, Bob, Suzy, Butch and Jim. Nancy had a spunky personality, which was kept in line by her brothers, yet they admired Nancy greatly. It was her sister, Suzy whom was Nancy’s partner in crime, for they did everything together. Nancy and Suzy were each other’s best friend. They shared the same friends, shared the same interests and loved doing each other’s make up and hair. As teenagers, Nancy and Suzy modeled for Dayton’s Department Store. They loved this gig, because it meant they could keep the clothes. Nancy graduated from Monroe High School, in St. Paul, MN in the Class of 1957.
As a family, they spent summers visiting the family cabin on Spring Lake in Prior Lake, MN. As Nancy and Suzy started driving, it meant them stopping at two separate gas stations in Prior Lake to purchase gas and to check out two of the gas station attendants, William “Bill” Klingberg and Gene Muelken. Eventually, Nancy and Bill started courting and after a movie one evening, he proposed, and she said, “Yes!” The true love story began on May 9, 1959 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, St. Paul, MN, where Nancy and Bill wedded. They settled their roots building a home in Prior Lake in 1960. Here, they raised two sons, Mark and Michael. As a family, the Klingberg’s enjoyed exploring the many state parks of Minnesota and even ventured to Alaska, which became their favorite camping destination. It was a passion of Nancy’s, she later passed on to her grandchildren.
Most of Nancy’s career was spent as a cook. For 13 years, she was an employee of the original Laker’s Restaurant, along with working many years at Continental Machines and Dairy Queen, in the kitchen too. Nancy then turned her focus to working as an administrative assistant at Action Overhead Garage Door and then finally at the Prior Lake School District, before retiring in the early 2000’s.
Nancy’s hands were full raising her sons, but Nancy found time to enjoy knitting, crocheting, embroidery and gardening. Her ultimate perfection was her family. Nancy loved being a wife, mother, mother-in-law and especially a grandma. This was apparent with her daily calendaring noting the days events and news. Nancy relished shopping for the grandchildren and finding that next special must have gift for them.
Family was Nancy’s everything. Now her legacy of a heart of gold, humble personality and selfless acts will live on in the hearts of her husband, William “Bill” Klingberg; sons, Mark (Denice) Klingberg, Michael (Melanie) Klingberg; grandchildren, Elliesha “Ellie” (fiancé Jordan Hahn) Klingberg, Emmalee Klingberg, Joseph Klingberg, Rachel Klingberg, Sara N. Klingberg; brothers, Bob (Kathy) Weninger, Butch (Glenna) Weninger, Jim (Liz) Weninger; sister-in-law, Helen Weninger; many relatives and devoted friends.
Nancy is welcomed home in heaven by her parents, Martin and Beulah Weninger; brother, Billy Weninger and sister, Suzy (Gene) Muelken.
With the ultimate care and compassion, Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served the Klingberg family. www.ballardsundefuneral.com
