Frieda Klocko

With a selfless heart, Dolores "Frieda" Klocko served others without expecting anything in return. She was dedicated to the family she loved, unwavering faith, and to her community. Frieda exemplified the spirit of a servant's heart and did much for others with devotion. Deeply missed and remembered, her memory lives on in the hearts of many.

The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nation’s history. The Roaring Twenties redefined the culture of America, and the discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine. Although the U.S. was unknowingly on the brink of the Great Depression, Dolores Alfrieda Sobczak. was a welcome addition to the lives of her mother, Theodosia Sobczak and her grandparents, Stanley and Frances Sobczak. Born on May 30, 1928 in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Frieda, as she was lovingly referred, was born and grew up in the home she continued to live in for the rest of her days.

Raised an only child, after the loss of her mother at the age of 12, Frieda lived in the home of her grandparents who raised her, along with two of her cousins, Betty and Louise. Frieda was born at a time when the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic hardship for all. In spite of these struggles, Frieda enjoyed a typical childhood for the times. She learned the ways of her Polish heritage in the kitchen alongside her grandmother, and also became a talented seamstress. Devout to their Catholic faith, Frieda and her family were parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church where she also attended elementary school through the eighth grade. She then went on to attend Union High School through the ninth grade.

Frieda was full of activity as a young girl and a friend to many. Her involvement at school and through church activities kept her busy, along with roller skating, many memorable times were shared at Ramona Park at Reeds Lake, and hitchhiking with friends to the beach at Grand Haven always made for fun times. She loved attending the many weekend dances at the area halls and rode her bike just about everywhere. Frieda's first job was working the soda fountain at S.S. Kresge in downtown Grand Rapids. With the onset of World War II, she did her part for the war effort sewing parachutes at a local factory.

Frieda became quite smitten with Leon Klocko, a neighbor boy who lived down the street. After dating for a year, they became engaged on September 1, 1947. Blessed in marriage at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on January 24, 1948, they spent a short honeymoon in Chicago.

The couple rented an apartment next door to her grandmother's house. While Leon served in the US Navy during the Korean War, Frieda moved back in with her grandmother and would live there the rest of her life. Following his discharge Leon returned to the same home where they would raise their family, Before long, children blessed their lives with the arrival of Frances in 1948, Joseph in 1950, followed by Mary in 1952. Christine was born in 1954, Stanley in 1957, Leon in 1959, and Tony in 1962. In 1964 John came along, and Julie completed their family in 1969.

Frieda continued to be active at church where her children attended school. For many years she served as a member of the Altar Rosary Society, and was on the board for the Home and School Association. She made a good home for Leon and their children. A bustling household filled with love and faith, Frieda was active in the lives of her children. Wonderful Sunday picnics were enjoyed by all at Myers Lake Park, and one year they took the train to Chicago.

Frieda knew her way around a kitchen, and was a tremendous cook. She was well known for her famous Polish dishes such as her kapusta, golumbki, kruschiki, and delicious chicken dinners. She and Leon made kielbasa for Easter each year, and for years she ran the kitchen for the Sacred Heart Festival where everyone looked forward to her chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and rolls. She was also known for her breads and sweet rolls. She could always be counted on to make extra for the kids to deliver to the priests and nuns she knew, neighbors and friends. Frieda also enjoyed canning many jams and jellies.

Not only was Frieda a great cook, but she was a gifted seamstress, too. From bridal and First Communion dresses to the shirts the members of several polka bands her son Stan was a member of, Frieda made them all. She made outfits for the kids in the family, did alterations, and made doll clothes for her grandkids. She also made many liturgical vestments for priests as well as altar linens for the church. As a member of the Altar Society, she helped decorate the church for holy days and holidays where her talent with the needle came in handy. A true perfectionist, Frieda wanted everything to be "just right".

Frieda's greatest joy was serving her family and church. She and Leon did however, eventually acquire a trailer they enjoyed nestled in the woods in Luther. They spent enjoyable summer weekends there and sometimes in the winter. Twice a year she and Leon along with other family members visited the Upper Peninsula to open and close the Bay Cliff Heath Camp at Big Bay, Michigan. In 1992, Frieda and Leon spent a wonderful vacation in Disney World with their daughters Julie, Chris, and grandson Jordan which was a memorable highlight for Frieda. Over the years Frieda enjoyed watching her favorite programs, such as The Andy Griffith Show, Gunsmoke, M.A.S.H. and Bonanza. In the last several years she took interest in romance novels.

After Leon retired from C&O Railroad, they had more time to share with their grandchildren. Frieda loved her grandkids and had a way of making them each feel special. She and Leon went on to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary at a special family event. Quite a milestone in their lives, it was just two years later in 2000 when after 52 years together, Frieda's beloved Leon died suddenly of a heart attack. With the love and support from those closest to her, life went on for Frieda. She remained active with her family, friends, and church, especially the Parish Young Hearts with the help of her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Bruce. For several years she also made popcorn and worked the bingo games at church.

Frieda was a true true blue "West Sider". In 2004 she underwent heart bypass surgery which slowed her down some. Even so, she continued to serve at the funeral lunches at church and remained close to her children and grandchildren. The entire family celebrated Christmas Eve in the usual way along with Santa Clause as had been done in the family Home for over a 100 years. On Christmas day this past year, Frieda suffered a fall at home and injured her hip. After being taken to the hospital, her health began to diminish. The family she adored and loved remained by her side until sadly, at the age of 85, Frieda sadly died on Saturday, January 4, 2014.

In all ways, Frieda never ceased in praying for her many family members, friends and neighbors. She faithfully prayed the Rosary daily, and counted her blessings with a thankful heart. With a dedicated, servant's heart, it was Frieda Klocko's nature to give rather than to receive. An example to live by, Frieda was a well respected pillar and a treasure in the lives of many who will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Frieda was preceded in death by her husband Leon Klocko and great-granddaughter, Katie Mott. She is survived by her children, Frances (Rick) Hargreaves, Joseph Klocko (Bonnie Balk), Mary (Bruce) Hoorn, Christine (Paul) Kurlenda, Stanley (Betsy) Klocko, Leon (Sherri) Klocko, Tony (Amy) Klocko, John (Lisa) Klocko, Julie (Jim) Day; 20 grandchildren, Lisa (Mike) Mott, Jason (Melanie) Hargreaves, Tom (Mandy) Klocko, Walter (April) Klocko, Tony (Priscilla) Hoorn, Tina Hoorn (Tom Catalano), Audra (Ryan) Bos, Cory Klocko (fiancee Carley Sproat), Natalie Klocko, Kalina (Andy) Powell, Jacob Klocko, Tyler Klocko, Brandy Klocko, Grace Klocko, Sophia Klocko, Jordan Klocko, Tyler (Sarah) Day, Arielle (Jonny) Nabors, Caleb Day and Nick Day; 14 great-grandchildren.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with the parish Rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. Visitation also will be held at church on Friday from 9:00 AM until Mass begins. Contributions in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Capital Campaign. To read more about Frieda’s life, to sign her guest book and to leave a favorite memory, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.