Martin Kling
December 7, 1942 - February 7, 2023
Tacoma, Washington - Martin "Marty" Kling of Tacoma, Washington, died February 7, 2023, after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's. Born in 1942 to Suzanne and LeRoy Kling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Marty had an idyllic and adventurous childhood. He graduated from Washington High School and attended Wentworth Military Academy before graduating from the University of Iowa. He served in the VISTA program prior to moving to the Tacoma area, where he taught vocational and special education for Tacoma School District for more than 20 years. He later owned a business selling vintage denim and was one of the original partners of the Swiss Tavern. Marty lived life to its fullest. Artistic and talented, he made jewelry, restored antiques, and remodeled multiple homes in Tacoma. He enjoyed bird hunting, playing Frisbee, camping, the Puget Sound, dogs, and racing and touring on motorcycles. He loved to tell stories and warmed many a barstool around town before he quit drinking. Marty was a charming yet complex man who at times struggled in his relationships, but was a wonderful father to daughter Molly, always encouraging her creativity, and adored grandchildren Bea and Tommy, who have inherited some of his best qualities. He was fortunate to receive the care of his devoted sister, Francy, after he could no longer live independently. Marty Kling is survived by daughter Molly Kling Crowley, grandchildren Beatrix and Thomas Crowley, brother Steven (Carla) Kling, sister Frances Blumhagen, niece Ann Kling, and ex-wife Mattie Kling. He was predeceased by parents Suzanne Tittle and LeRoy Kling, and nephew Peter Kling. The family extends its gratitude to the staff at HomePlace of Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or the Alzheimer's Association. A celebration of life will occur in the spring of 2023, with details shared at a later date. See everloved.com/life-of/martin-kling for more information.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Mar. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Kling

Sponsored by Neptune Society South Seattle.

6 Entries

Barbara Sue Brearton

Planted Trees

Teri

April 24, 2023

I always think of "Mr Marty" so fondly. A big smile and even bigger laugh -- a wonderful trait Molly inherited. A great obituary, Molly. I´m sure his denim business was the start to my love of jean jackets. Love you and sending a big hug.

Doug Fillbach ,Design Tech Artglass

March 29, 2023

I'm heartbroken to hear about the loss of Marty. He was my lifelong friend and will be sorely missed. Over close to a 50 year period, Marty had such an impact on my life, that it is hard to put into words. I first met Marty and Mattie when I was 17 and in high school. They co-owned an antique store in Gig Harbor. I ended up being the kid behind the counter on the weekends when the store was open. I had visited Marty in all of his homes over the years. He always had the coolest stuff that made his homes so special. Great artwork,blown glass,jewelry and an eclectic collection of wonderful artifacts.My exposure to all of this was fundamental in shaping the course of my life over the decades since. My accomplishments and career as a glass artist, my life experiences and all the people I have met over the years is due to meeting Marty at an early age. If not for that, my life would have taken a very different course. Marty and I enjoyed playing frisbee together and he loved playing doubles, where he would put two frisbees
together and throw them. The goal being for the other person to catch both of them usually with outstreched arms. He was very gracious and on the 4th of July always had a big party, where all were welcome at his home on Waterview. Marty was the idea's and money behind the Swiss Tavern. It simply would have never existed without him. To all the tens of thousands of people that enjoyed going to the Swiss, you can thank Marty for that. He was a very talented jeweler who made beautiful rings. Marty was quite entrepreneurial,
remodeling many homes, the vintage jean business.the Swiss etc. Marty's obituary captures who he was, very well. I just wanted to add that he also had a huge impact on the lives of many. I am the person, I am today because of my dear friend Marty. You truly were
the coolest. My friend your work on this planet is done. May you rest in peace and may the wonderful memories of your life comfort Molly and her family.

Jill Shea

March 28, 2023

I always liked Marty. We worked At Lincoln High School together and he had this natural "cool" factor about him that few people have and is what drew interest to him. Also, I used to live next door to Maddie . She was so driven and Marty was so laid back. He took everything in stride. Marty was always very kind; he made exquisite jewelry; and he built a beautiful home on Water View. Whenever I ran into him he spoke of his daughter and how excited he was for her. His life and person is captured in his biography /obituary. that says it all. Well-done! Peace, my friend.

Michael Higgins

March 19, 2023

I´m very sorry to hear of Marty´s passing. I always enjoyed seeing Marty around Tacoma and Gig Harbor. My favorite encounter with Marty and Mattie was in Sitges Spain in 1971. I was traveling through Europe and was staying in a small seaside town in Spain. I was in a bar when a man walked in and I thought he looked familiar. Then Mattie walked in and we had a nice reunion. They were touring on a motorcycle. Rest In Peace Marty.

Scott and Cara

March 17, 2023

Thinking about you Molly. Our condolences to you, and to your family. Your Dad will be missed

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