Darlyn Lois Klinkert

At the age of 99, Darlyn Klinkert went home to be with the Lord peacefully on May 6, 2024. She was born in Long Beach, California to Robert and Laura Forscutt and was a long-time resident of Fallbrook, California. Her father nicknamed her Dolly and the name stayed with her after High School.  

In her childhood, she lived behind her mother and father’s café in Long Beach. Her first job was at a nearby Music Store playing sheet scores for customers so they could hear what the song sounded like. She had been taking piano and violin lessons since she was 10 and played the Violin in The Mu Alpha Sigma-Music Club and The Women’s Symphony in Long Beach and played Piano for the Women’s Club based in Fallbrook. Her mother would say that when she practiced, she wouldn’t need to do the dishes after dinner, so she practiced a great deal. She learned the Organ and would play with the Churches she and her husband would later attend. While she didn’t play for a profession, she found other ways to involve herself in music, many of which were the programs with the Churches she and her husband were attending as they were state side and overseas.

Darlyn met the love of her life, Charles Klinkert at a church in Long Beach, California when she was 14 years old. Chuck and Darlyn enjoyed a long marriage of 72 years, with the passing of Chuck in 2016.

Darlyn loved to travel and had an adventurous spirit. When Chuck joined the U.S. Army Air Core and the U.S. Air Force, his assignments involved moving to different locations around the world, several of which the whole family could move to. They lived in Nebraska as newlyweds, where Chuck could complete his military training. Darlyn returned to Long Beach while Chuck flew overseas and his service was honorably discharged. They had their daughters Charlyn and Shirley when Chuck returned home. In the Korean War he was stationed in Japan under General MacArthur, after which his orders came in for New Mexico. The family moved to Iran where he was on assignment as attaché for the Iranian government, returning to New Mexico when their third daughter Candace was born. Chuck put in his request to remain in the U.S. where at March Air Force Base (in Riverside, California) the family lived on Base housing in Arnold Heights. A few years later, the family moved to Tainan while Chuck was on assignment. Their return to Riverside allowed Chuck and Darlyn to think about their retirement and make the decision to buy property in Fallbrook with the hopes of building a new home.

In retirement, Darlyn and Chuck built their home in Fallbrook where they continued to be involved in Church and travel. Darlyn found a love for cruising and was able to visit almost every continent. She and Chuck enjoyed camping and fishing, alternating their “his and her” Cruising/Camping vacations. Darlyn also had a gift of knowing where all the good restaurants were. If you were to mention a particular town, she would say, “Oh! I know where a great restaurant is in that town.” Darlyn enjoyed attending Music California and Jazz Festivals. 

Darlyn’s enduring faith was a guiding factor in her life and got her through many difficult times. Playing the Piano, Organ, Violin, or even Singing, was her way of serving her Lord and Savior. She played for many Choirs, Soloists, Church Services, and Weddings, only to name a few.

Darlyn always enjoyed conversing with people and learning new things. When she got older her eyesight deteriorated, so conversation became more meaningful. As Darlyn’s health and eyesight continued to decline, she moved to Silvergate in Fallbrook where she received the excellent care they could provide for her there. She amazed the staff with her quick wit and eagerness to learn, including all their names and life stories. She had an indulgence for anything chocolate and loved to share her favorite treat with family and friends.

Darlyn was proud of her family and loved all of them very much. Her eldest daughter Charlyn preceded her in death in 1970. She is survived by her daughters Shirley (Michael) Madril and Candace Perry; her granddaughters Lisa (Paul) Jennings and Michelle Perry; and her grandsons Scott (Michelle) Knight, Michael (Erika) Madril, and Kenneth Perry, along with 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Darlyn’s burial service will be held Friday, June 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Chuck. An off-site luncheon will be held following the service.