Obituary of Shirley Klinginsmith

Shirley Klinginsmith, 88, of Greeley passed away peacefully in her home on November 21st 2021. She was born in Grover, Colorado in 1933 to Gus and Hazel (Houghton) Konig. She attended school in Grover and graduated in 1951; she then went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado, where she received her bachelor's degree and masters degree in education with a major in history. She began her Career in Fort Lupton for a few years before she got a job at Heath Junior High School in Greeley. She was a highly respected and successful teacher of social studies and history for 35 years. She touched many young lives and educated countless students. After her retirement, she continued to live in Greeley and would frequently meet her former students who remembered her as their teacher at Heath. She enjoyed gardening, growing enough tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini for many friends and family. She also enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes that she had collected, but above all she enjoyed music. One of the highlights of her life was being a member of the Konig dance band for 10 years. The Konig Dance Band played in numerous small towns in Weld County including Hereford, New Raymer, Stoneham, Loveland, Carpenter and Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. The band played at the annual Grover rodeo dance and New Year's Eve dance. Gus Konig played the saxophone, Hazel played percussions, Doris played piano, and Shirley played the accordion. Shirley's sister Doris, a professional pianist in New York City has often said that shirley was the born musically gifted of the 2. During her retirement years, Shirley played on keyboard with 2 musicians who frequently entertained at senior citizen centers around Weld County. After about 2 years, she decided to perform on her own and became known as "the keyboard lady" of Greeley and again her musical gift shined and she brought joy to many people. She knew literally hundreds of popular songs from the 1930s, 40s and 50s and continue to add more to her repertoire. She is survived by her brother, James Konig of Grover, a sister, Doris Konig of New York City; 3 nephews, Mike of Grover, Kip (Tammy) of Briggsdale and Joel of Briggsdale, one niece Kim Foster (John) of Grover. Numerous Great nieces and nephews And their children. She was also survived by her beloved dog, Roxie. She was preceeded in death by her parents, Gus and Hazel and a niece Marci Konig Shirley was A blessing to the world that she lived in and she will be missed by all who knew her Life Celebration service will be held, Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Adamson Life Celebration Home in Greeley. To leave condolence for Shirley’s family, www.Adamsoncares.com.