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Ralph F. Kling August 27, 1924 - March 28, 2020 Ramona Ralph F. Kling (1924-2020): Fighter Pilot, POW, Coach, EducatorBorn in Mead, Nebraska, on August 27, 1924, Ralph, his parents, and his four brothers moved to the California central valley to farm when Ralph was only four. He and his high school sweetheart, Irene, held hands as they listened to the declaration of World War II. Ralph first went to Cal Berkeley, but soon entered the Army Air Corps along with his twin brother. Before shipping off to Europe, Irene joined him in Florida where they were married on February 18th, 1944 (76 years ago). Ralph flew the P-47 Thunderbolt for the 365th Fighter Group. They flew on D-Day across Normandy and then mainly in support of Patton's army. His plane was named "POPPY" after the California wildflower. He had many encounters but successfully shot down one ME109. On his 68th mission, Ralph's plane was shot by strafing, it caught fire and he was badly burned. He parachuted and was quickly captured by the German army. He was eventually sent to Stalag Luft III, where the "Great Escape" had occurred earlier. Before being liberated, the whole camp was marched for three days and nights without food or water. After the war, Ralph completed his education and began his 35-year career in education. After initially coaching baseball and other sports, Ralph quickly moved into administration. He was the principal of the Fremont Union High School in Sunnyvale, California, for over eleven years. As a principal, he was progressive and innovative. During this time, Ralph was very active in the Air Force Reserves, Lion's Club, and other community activities. Many of his students remain close family friends. After retiring and moving to Ramona, Ralph briefly worked at HP, became an ardent Padre fan, and actively supported the San Diego POW group. He served as AXPOW regional director and as a vice commander of the San Diego POW Chapter One. Ralph lead the effort to build and install "Liberation" a 12 ft. bronze statue representing the moment of a POW liberation. The statue was installed at the Miramar National Cemetery. Ralph and Irene participated in all the SD POW activities such as display days, Veterans and Memorial Day parades and other veteran events. Ralph passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 28th, 2020 of natural causes negative for covid 19. He was 95. Church services will be held at the Spirit of Joy Lutheran church in Ramona and military services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery after the pandemic allows large gatherings. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Irene, two daughters, Joann and Janet, two grandsons, Jason and Jarod, and six great-grandchildren, as well as the sole surviving twin brother Roger Kling of Turlock, CA. Ralph was a friend and mentor to many. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
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I'm so sorry for your loss. I do remember his support for our music programs as being strong. I started my own career in music Ed in 1996. Oh, how things had changed! Found myself wishing that I either had Mr. Kling or someone like him as principal.
Prayers for the family. Mr. Kling's dancing with Jesus!
Donald Moore
Donald Moore
School
March 30, 2022
He was an innovator. We had a modular schedule & A/B days. This allowed really motivated students to take more class than more "normal" schedules.
He also ultimately approved our jazz band to attend the Reno Jazz Festival with only 1 local festival under our belt. THAT is back up from admin.
I never got to meet him. I have mentioned to many of my students what we had at Fremont. After their jaws were picked up from the floor, they looked at me with envy.
Donald Moore
Retired Music Teacher, 20 years
M.A Educational Practices, honors.
Donald Moore
Student
April 30, 2021
I didn't have he opportunity to meet Mr. Kling. However I know how progressive he was.
WE had modular scheduling which helped us achieve, thanks to him. We had a great chool atmosphere. I told my students about Fremont and mostly their jaws fell open.
Now administrators are not as progressive and would say no.
Thanks Mr. Kling, with great appreciation.
P.S. I guess Fremont had an influence. I recently retired after a 20 year music teaching career in addition to previously being a "post Prop 13" restaurant manager.
Donald Moore
Student
September 14, 2020
What a great man and patriot! My sincerest condolences to Irene and the Kling Family.
Linda Gatto-Woitek
Friend
June 2, 2020
As a student at Fremont high in the early 70's Ralph Kling was our principal. As a lost soul he became a true friend, mentor and support. He always was so positive and a leader. Within a month of starting as a freshman he spoke in one of my classes detailing his experience of WWII, being a pilot and a POW. My uncle also flew p-47's in WWII and was also a POW so we had something to talk about from time to time. I still have the 50 year anniversary special coin that he gave me in 1973 for the Fremont Union High School District. He really understood youth and i benefited tremendously from knowing him for 4 years. It's amazing after all these years to have a fleeting thought and wonder what ever happened to....just now.
John Nichols
April 15, 2020
He was my "coach Kling at Poitiers High School In Poitiers France in 1959-1960 and truly a wonderful , remarkable man in every respect.
He was a great role model and mentor. Ralph was upbeat and a master of creating a warm and supportive environment.
I stayed in touch with him and last saw him and Irene about 20 years ago. He hadn't changed a bit. What probably impressed me most was how devoted he was to the singular love of his life, Irene.
What a fabulous life he packed in 95 years. He was one of my heroes and we won't see his like again.
Richard M. Foxx Ph.D.
Richard Foxx
April 15, 2020
Mr Kling was vice principle at Sunnyvale High School when I was a student. We made him a honorary member of the class of 79 and I presented him with the plaque. Good man. Great smile. Condolenves to the family.
Joyce Kooman
Student
April 13, 2020
Deepest condolences to Irene and the Kling family. It was an honor and privilege to know Ralph. He brought much love and happiness to this world.
Tom Crosby & Carol Knott
April 6, 2020
Sincere condolences to Irene, Joann, Janet and family. Ralph will be dearly missed.
Merry and Al Padilla
April 5, 2020
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