Joan Klingsheim, 89

Joan Klingsheim, 89, of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 8, 2022.

Born Sept. 19, 1932, in Spencer, Iowa, to Donald Mincer and Mary Barbara Barnett, Joan enjoyed a long life of adventure, living in many spectacular locations across the United States, including Iowa, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Idaho and Montana, as well as France. She married her lifelong love, Gilbert Klingsheim, 69 years ago on Jan. 7, 1953, in Minneapolis and had seven beautiful children over the first 15 years of their marriage. As newlyweds, Joan and Gilbert moved to Chatelaillon-Plage, France, and shortly after she gave birth to their first daughter, Brenda Heller, in LaRochelle, France. Joan's next five children Bobbi Miller, Barbara Klingsheim (deceased 1958), Bradley Klingsheim, and Brian Klingsheim (deceased 2000) were all born in Minneapolis. The family moved to Southern California in 1965 and the last two children (identical twins) were born in 1967, Joan Lawson and Janet Spesock.

For the last 19 years, Joan has called Kalispell home. Joan loved the outdoors, including boating and motorcycle riding with her son, Bradley, up until her final days with us. She was beloved by friends and family in every place she called home.

Joan joins her beloved children Barbara and Brian, and is survived by her husband Gilbert (91) and their other five children, Brenda, Bobbi (John), Bradley, Joan (Tony) and Janet (Jeff); as well as six grandchildren, Barbara Alexander (48), David Alexander (44) (Summer), Gavin Spesock (34) (Amanda), Garrett Spesock (27), Olivia Spesock (19), and Makena Lawson (13); four great-grandchildren, Kai Alexander (24), Kelsey Alexander (23), Harper Spesock (8), and Adeline Spesock (6); and one great-great-grandson, Hayden Alexander (2).

Joan left a long legacy of love and adventure and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Private services were requested.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family