Donald Lee Klingman

Age 89, of Minneapolis, passed away on December 28, 2015, in his home. He was born on Friday, August 13, 1926, in Seattle, WA to Henry Philip and Ethel May Klingman (McAleer). Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Eleanor Elaine Klingman; his parents; both siblings Betty Turnquist Lee and Roger Klingman; and two brothers-in-law Donald Turnquist and Gordon Lee. He is survived by his sons Jan Donald Klingman (Belinda), Lee Philip Klingman; daughter Dawn Eleanor Klingman; honorary daughter Dana Elizabeth Rohrer; grandchildren Crystal, Amy, Ryan, Samantha, Heidi; great-grandchildren Brayden, Madilynn, MaKenna, Ryder; and sister-in-law Norma Klingman. Donald was afflicted with cerebral palsy from his birth. He spent his lifetime challenging any limitations this brought. He continued to train his muscles to do his bidding throughout his life. In March of 1928, the family moved to Minneapolis. His father had been transferred from Seattle to help open the new Sears flagship store on Chicago Avenue and Lake Street. Donald attended Michael J. Dowling School from February 1932 thru June 1940. He saw President Franklin Roosevelt in 1936, when he came to dedicate the new therapeutic pool at Dowling. The family moved to Delray Beach, FL for the school year 1940 -1941. They returned to Mpls in time for school to start at Bryant Jr. High in September 1941. He attended Central High School, graduating in June 1945. Shortly after graduating, Donald dedicated his life to Christ. He did not know how things would turn out in his life, but he knew that without Christ's direction, he would be nothing. He made two trips on a cattle boat in the summer of 1945 to help bring horses to Poland after WWII. When he returned, he went on to attend Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in economics. He worked as a stock-boy for Dayton's and then Donaldson's Department Store in downtown Mpls (where he met his future wife in 1951). In 1956, he got a job at Sears on Lake Street. He moved into their Fire Marshall's office (later known as the Security Dept.). Donald and Elaine were married January 27, 1957. One of the biggest lessons he learned from his father, was that the family needed to come first. His father would be so proud! Donald and Elaine became foster parents after the birth of Jan (JD) until their daughter Dawn arrived. Two years later, Lee arrived. Donald was very highly thought of at Sears. He retired from Sears May 1, 1987. He went on to be custodian at Zion, and worked with Kellermeyer. He and Elaine moved to the Augustana Apartments downtown Mpls in November 2004. There he had the job of walking the family dog, Muffin. Congestive heart failure took Elaine, Muffin, and now Donald. He lived his life to the fullest right up until the end. Challenges were opportunities to figure out his own way of succeeding at a task. And succeed he did. He is done with spasms. He is with his beloved in the glory of heaven. Memorial service 11:00 AM Monday, January 11, 2016, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 128 West 33rd St., Mpls. Gathering at the church starting at 10:00 AM. Graveside service 2:00 PM at Lakewood Cemetery. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Nokomis Park Chapel 612-721-1651

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Donald Lee Klingman

December 28, 2015

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