Joan Helen Kling's Obituary
In the comfort of her home, Joan Helen Kling (Piasecki) passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Ed, her mother Lucille Piasecki (Gorajec), her father Walter Piasecki, and siblings Richard, Mitchell, Carol (Moss), and Leonard. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Denise (and husband Marty), Mark (and wife Lori), Monica, and Kurt. She is survived by her brother David. Joan was an extraordinary grandmother who embraced her 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren with love, support, and family celebrations created just for them.
Joan was a 1952 graduate of Ravenna High School who served as Student Council President, a
skilled yearbook staffer, a melodious songstress in 4 choirs, a competitive debater, a talented
actress, and the "Best Dancer" of her class. She carried on her love of her alma mater by
organizing class reunions throughout the years.
After graduation, she captured the love of Ed Kling, her "Peach”, and dedicated her life to
making anything possible for him while she directed their family's life. She became the office
manager of his business and cherished her role as his first mate on the sailboat Wings despite
her fear of water. Together, Joan and Ed supported Muskegon’s Polish Fest by making her
legendary pierogi for fundraisers, donning their traditional Polish costumes at the festival, and
delighting onlookers with their perfect Polka dances. Folks often remarked that Ed and Joan
were the community’s heartwarming “Polish Sweethearts”.
Joan created a home that became a hub of thoughtfully created celebrations, Polish cuisine, fun-filled activities, and joy. Her infamous pierogi, lemon meringue pie, and unique American
Cheese lasagna were in demand whenever visitors were coming. Like a conductor, she
orchestrated the Christmas Eve celebration with a holiday banquet, gifts for anyone new to the
family, memories of days gone by, and a much-anticipated visit from Santa.
A devout Catholic, Joan served the parish of St. Francis de Sales as a member of the Guild. For
many years, she lifted grieving parishioners by working funeral lunches. She organized,
contributed to, and worked church/guild fundraisers, and honored her principles through a life
anchored in her unwavering faith.
Joan’s life will be celebrated at a 6:00-7:30 pm on Friday, December 15th at a visitation being
held at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores and then the rosary will follow. Funeral mass will take place at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church’s Marian Chapel, 2929 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI 49441, on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow at Shepherd’s Hall in the same location.
Joan loved flowers and feeling beautiful. She also was ahead of her time wanting women to
capture all that they had the propensity to be. Donations for Joan, to the Edward Kling Polish
Heritage Fund will be earmarked for the development of “Women’s Polish History” in the
exhibit. To donate go to www.muskegonpolishfest.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?