Pearl Joyce Klinger

Pearl was born in her grandmother’s farmhouse in the small town of Silver Creek WI on a brisk October morning. A country girl at heart, she fondly recalled spending her summer days frolicking with her cousins at their farm in nearby Batavia. In search of work, her father moved the family to Milwaukee. There she would one day meet the love of her life Richard, who lived just a few blocks from her home. It was said that when she walked down 38th street where he lived, Richard would whistle at her from his front porch. Pearl came from a God-loving family with a mother who desired for her to marry only a Christian man. While her mother was strict and prohibited her from attending many social functions, she was allowed to attend church gatherings with friends. At one such gathering, she met Richard. He was handsome and appeared to be a church-going boy. She knew her mother would approve of him.

Pearl boasted of Dick’s ability to dance. He taught her how to jitterbug. Together they attended dances in the area where they could put their skills into practice. She often remarked about what a great dancer he was.

Admittedly poor, Pearl’s family struggled to make ends meet. Her grandmother Mathilda would repurpose old garments and scraps of material to fashion new outfits for Pearl. She told the story of her grandma’s seamstress skills winning her the proud title of “best dressed” in her class. When she was old enough to work, Pearl rode the streetcar to downtown Milwaukee where she worked in various high-class retail shops. She and her friends loved to try on fancy dresses and imagine they owned them. She worked hard, saved her money, and made that dream a reality when she bought her own wedding dress.

At the age of 20 she married Richard. Their unfailing love for each other was evident in their 70-year marriage. Together they raised 3 sons – the oldest Mark; followed by twins: James, and Jack. While raising her children, Pearl worked various jobs. This included a position as the School Secretary at Kettle Moraine Area Schools, where she could be close to her boys. After her sons graduated, she took a job as Administrative Assistant for the shipping department at Doerner Manufacturing. This was the job from which she would retire. Pearl was a tenderhearted woman who loved to serve others. She was the perfect balance for Richard who kept his active and sometimes mischievous boys in line. She enjoyed having company and cooking for others. If you were a guest in her home, she wouldn’t let you leave the dinner table without offering a piece of freshly baked homemade pie.

Shortly after retiring, Pearl and Richard moved to Sun City West where she enjoyed biking, playing cards, and playing a round of golf. She loved to share her story, with laughter, about how she made a hole in one!

At the age of 92 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and moved back to WI to be in the care of her son, Jack. She was always pleasant and had a contagious laugh and joyful spirit. Her first love was God, and she wanted her loved ones to love Him as much as she did. Until her move to AZ in 2004, she was very active in her church. In her later years she enjoyed watching Billy Graham on TV and listening to hymns. She watched her Arizona pastor online every Sunday.

Pearl was Preceded in death by her husband Richard, son Mark (Cindy), Parents Ida and Dewey Goehring, Brother Willard Goehring, Sisters Elaine Springhetti (Arnold), and Carol Voss (Harwin). She leaves behind her sons Jack (Debbie) and James, as well as grandchildren Jacob (Elli), Richard, Nicholas (Julie), Kurtis, Kenny (Heidi), Kyle, Kristina Borkenhagen (Kyle), Theresa, Jeff (Jenna), as well as 8 Great-grandchildren.