Louis Chuck Kling

Louis Charles “Chuck” Kling

August 25, 1937 – September 22, 2023

Chuck, age 86, passed away peacefully of COPD at Malley Transitional Care on September 22, 2023. His service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery (located at 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236) on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 1:30pm with a reception to follow at Horan & McConaty (located at 5303 E County Line Rd, Centennial, CO 80122) from 2:30pm – 4pm.

Chuck was born in Fort Collins, Colorado (CO) on August 25, 1937 to Ludwig and Lydia Kling. He grew up on their farm in Ault, CO and graduated from Ault High School in 1955. Although he received a scholarship to attend college at Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (AKA Colorado State University, CSU), Chuck declined and instead enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He always treasured the friends he made and the many experiences from his service years.  

Upon his discharge, Chuck moved to Denver, CO where he worked for the Gates Rubber Company for 30+ years. In his retirement, he continued his relationships with the friends he had from Gates.

After retiring, Chuck enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, and loved to go boating, camping, and fishing. He also loved taking trips to the mountains, and fondly recalled his travels to places like Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. Chuck was an avid gardener and enjoyed yardwork, closely followed politics, and made sure to watch all of his Denver sports teams, especially the Broncos and Rockies; he (and his family) have had Broncos season tickets since 1967. Chuck was a lifetime member of the Denver Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Lodge 17 in addition to being a freemason. He always had a dog in his home and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels on his outdoor patio. He loved animal and nature-based TV shows and spent his free time studying geography and avidly reading.

Chuck was preceded in death by his loving, devoted wife of 47 years Joan, 87, (who passed away on May 25, 2023), his parents, and his brother Ron, 81, (who passed away on March 1, 2023). He is survived by one child, Gary (Sharon), and four stepchildren, Richard (Patty), Candace (Jerry), Randal (Colleen), and Cynthia (Joe). He had 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one niece, one nephew, two great-nieces, and one great-nephew.

In lieu of flowers, Chuck would like donations to be made to the Riverdale Animal Shelter (formally the Adams County Animal Shelter/Adoption Center). In person donations of dog beds, sheets, pillows, and so on can be dropped off at the shelter (located at 12155 Park Blvd, Brighton, CO 80601) between 11am-6pm, Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun. Online monetary donations can be made at https://animalshelter.adcogov.org/donate. 

Semper Fidelis/Always Faithful