Peggy Anne Klinkerman

Peggy Anne (Mair) Klinkerman went home to the Lord on May 15, 2023 at the Fowler Health Care Center following a short illness.

Peggy was born to Andrew J. Mair and Norma Asmus Mair on February 1, 1938 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her older sister, Carolyn, readily accepted this new sibling and never treated her like the bratty younger sister. This began a lifetime of closeness that greatly enriched Peggy’s life.

On Peggy’s fourth birthday, her grandmother gave her a quarter-size violin and a year of lessons. Thus, began her lifelong love of music. She added piano lessons in a few years.

The family sold their farm and moved to Denver when Peggy was 8. She graduated from South High in 1955 where she participated in the a cappella choir, orchestra, a vocal trio and a violin octet. She also performed with her mother and sister in a string trio. Peggy found her calling at 16 when she led the music for Bible School. She sang in the church choir and was active in the church youth group.

Peggy followed Carolyn to CSU where she majored in music education, played in the Fort Collins Symphony, was student director of the choir and sang in the madrigal group. She got paid to play for the modern dance classes – which were a real hoot to watch the athletes required to take the class.

Peggy married Don Klinkerman on June 8, 1958 at her home church in Denver. She graduated magna cum laude in 1959 – one of eight music majors to graduate that year!

Peggy’s first teaching job during her senior year was part-time at the same Boxelder school she attended before moving to Denver. She then taught vocal music grades 1 through 12 at Laporte, Colorado while Don finished veterinary school. She also directed the choir at the Plymouth Congregational Church where the service was in English, but many sang the hymns in German.

Don earned his DVM in 1961, and Peggy also earned her very official-looking diploma in PHT – Putting Hubby Through. After one year in Lamar, they moved to La Junta where Don was associated with La Junta Veterinary clinic for 37 years. Peggy and Don were blessed with three children – Andy, Jill and Jennifer. Peggy was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years, plus “helping out” at the vet clinic as needed. That was mostly bookkeeping and being present when no one else was.

In the 70’s, Peggy loved being part of the Sweet Adelines. She was the director for several years, served as President and sang in two different quartets. What fun that was!

In 1974, when Jennifer began first grade, Peggy began teaching part-time because the La Junta school district decided to add music for kindergartners. She used to say this job was so much fun she would do it for free – but don’t tell the school board!

She went full-time in 1980, teaching K through 5 music at West School. During her 15 years at West, every child was part of a music program every year, and there were two opportunities to be part of a special choir every year. There were many performances around town and one of choirs was chosen to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Conference.

In 1990, Peggy and Betty Lowe were chosen for a two-week workshop on Creating Original Opera at the Metropolitan Opera in New York city. It was an incredible experience. Then, they were directed to come home and actually develop and perform a student-led musical theater production. That was truly a once in a lifetime adventure that they did twice - but couldn’t face a third time. The kids did a great job, learned a lot and all the teachers involved survived.

Peggy retired in 1995 and filled her time with grandkids and traveling to veterinary and cattlemen meetings with Don. Playing for Bible Study Fellowship kept her fingers moving and her brain working. And, of course, there was more time for bridge and lunch with friends.

Peggy was instrumental in the Presbyterian Church becoming a Stephen Ministry church in 1998 and was one of the first leaders trained in 1999. She believed strongly in their one-on-one Christian caregiving. She spent countless hours training Stephen Ministers, supervising the organization and providing care for her care receivers. Her dedication to the Stephen Ministry continued as long as she was able.

When Don retired, they could indulge in Peggy’s passion for traveling. They enjoyed many trips together including Australia and New Zealand, a Panama Canal cruise, several Europe adventures and four trips each to Canada and Hawaii. Two of the most memorable trips were Egypt and Israel with her dad and classical Greece and the Greek islands with her granddaughter, Bethany.

Peggy was active in the Presbyterian church, directing the children’s choir for many years as well as singing in the choir, serving on Session and serving as substitute choir director and accompanist as needed. Peggy was an active member of P.E.O. for over 50 years. She helped plan and provide the music for two different State Conventions and was a delegate to the International Convention.

Peggy is survived by husband, Don, children Andy and Twana Klinkerman of Fowler, daughter Jill Klinkerman of Phoenix and daughter Jennifer and Eric Fishencord of Tucson and grandchildren Bethany and Steve Arnold of Fowler and Dean and Aly Klinkerman of Fort Collins, step-grandsons, Nathannial and Brandon DeLong and great grand-children, Levi and Paityn Arnold. Also surviving is Peggy’s sister Carolyn Cady of Newport News, VA and brothers-in-law Bob Klinkerman of Swink and Jim and Merlene Klinkerman of Keensburg, CO. She is also survived and remembered by many relatives, friends and former students. She was preceded in death by her parents, her in laws, Cecil and Mary E. Klinkerman, daughter-in-law Cindy Klinkerman, brother-in-law Ed Cady, nephew Bruce Cady and niece Sharon Gibson.

Cremation has taken place at her request. Celebration of Life Service will be held June 9, 2023 at The First (Presbyterian) Church La Junta, 111 E. 20th St. in La Junta at 10 AM with inurnment immediately following. Reception and lunch will be held at Casa Del Sol in the Aspen Center at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make contributions to The First Presbyterian Church of La Junta or a charity of your choice in Peggy’s name.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.