Barbara Jean Kling

Kling, Barbara J., age 95, December 9, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Edward. Dear mother of Diane (Dale) Cunningham, Lynn (John) Makinen, Debbie Palazzola and Lori (Ronald) DiBartolomeo. Proud grandmother of Scott (Kristina), Deonna, Johnny, Edward, Carrie, Christina (Ed), Becky (Ray), Adam (Alaina) and Sara. Loving great grandmother of Bryce, Zoe, Sydney, Keira, Wyatt and Ava. Visitation Friday, December 13, 2019 from 2-9pm and Saturday, December 14 from 10am until the time of Service 11am at Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, 13650 E. 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights. Entombment at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Township.


Barbara Jean Kling was born October 7, 1924 and peacefully . . . with her four daughters at her side . . . left us last Monday night at the age of 95.

Barbara was the daughter of Leslie and Lucy Offenbacher. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings, Virginia Webster and Robert Offenbacher.

Barbara grew up on Maryland in Detroit, along with her best friend, Jane Harrington. They were literally babies together, and they were inseparable. She and Jane enjoyed a lifelong friendship with the rest of the neighborhood … what they later called, “The Over-The-Hill Gang”. In addition, they, along with their other women friends, joined a singing group, “The Mother Singers” and performed for many school and church groups over a span of about 20 years. Barbara loved to sing, and her “shows” will be remembered as being an enjoyable part of her family’s lives.

Barbara attended East Commerce High School, where she acquired her expertise as a secretary, later becoming “Boss Lady” of her husband, “Eddie’s” accounting business.

In 1943, she married the love of her life, Eddie Kling. They were married for 66 years, until his death in 2009. Together they had 4 daughters – Diane, Lynn, Debbie and Lori. Barbara and Eddie were blessed with 9 grandchildren, in order of birth: Scott, Deonna, Christie, Johnny, Becky, Eddie, Carrie, Adam and Sara. Their blessings continued with the birth of 6 great-grandchildren: Bryce, Zoe, Sydney, Keira, Wyatt and Ava.

In 1947, Barb and Ed built their first home in East Detroit, a 2-bedroom post-war bungalow. All the homes were built for GIs returning from the war. In 1955, they built their dream home on Madison in St. Clair Shores, where they lived for 54 years.

Barb and Ed had a series of boats starting in 1965 and ending with the Klingdom V in 1975. Their years in boating have created many wonderful, lasting friendships for Barbara and her family.


In 1976 after leaving boating, Barb and Ed built their first of three Up North retreats, “the Chalet.” A lot of family gatherings and fun was had there, with visits from many friends and relatives. Their places Up North, including Cub Lake and St. Helens, have been a major part of their grandkids’ many happy childhood memories.

Barbara was so proud of her four daughters and sons-in-law, Dale, John and Ron. She was always so kind and generous and made them feel like sons, rather than sons-in-law. They also felt like sons to her and loved her dearly. Equally, her four daughters were always so proud of their beautiful mother, who was the belle of the ball wherever she went.

Even at the age of 85, when she moved to a senior living facility, she was asked to model for a fashion show, as she was still a beauty – but humble; when complemented for being chosen over all the other women, she replied, “It’s because I’m the only one that can walk!”

Barbara adored all of her 9 grandchildren, and they adored her. Each of them had their own special relationship with “Grandma”, which they will always lovingly cherish.



Barbara Kling’s love of music, reading, decorating, flower gardening, doing crossword puzzles, watching soap operas, pets, and the Christmas holiday season made her special to all her friends and family and all who had the pleasure to know her. Her love of family, friends, God and country will always be fondly remembered.