Robert William Klingenberg

Robert “Bob” Klingenberg, born on November 17, 1940, in Michigan, was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 13, 2025. A devoted minister, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bob lived a life rooted in faith, service, and genuine care for others.

Bob grew up in Holland, Michigan, alongside his two beloved sisters, Ruth Haak and Virgina Hoezee, in a close-knit community rich in tradition and values. He was the son of a jeweler, William Klingenberg and a homemaker, Helene (Tuls) Klingenberg who raised him in a loving, faith filled home. These strong familial roots helped shape Bob’s character, work ethic, and lifelong devotion to Christian faith.

Bob pursued his ministerial calling through education at Calvin College and Seminary in Grand Rapids Michigan, where he earned a divinity degree and was subsequently ordained into ministry in the Christian Reformed Church. Answering God’s call, he faithfully served in pastoral ministry in several churches throughout Michigan and New Jersey. Over the course of his life, Bob devoted himself wholeheartedly to pastoral ministry, serving within both the Christian Reformed Church and the Assemblies of God denominations. He was known by many for his powerful preaching and teaching ministry that has enriched and encouraged many lives. In his later years, he continued his ministry as a traveling evangelist, sharing the Gospel wherever he was led. He traveled nationally and internationally with his wife Ruth and authored several books, using his words to inspire, encourage, and guide others in their faith. Even in retirement, he served as a voluntary chaplain at the community where they lived and held chapel services every Sunday for years.

In addition to his ministry, Bob enjoyed fishing, as well as playing basketball and softball. For years, Bob played on the church softball team as a fast pitch softball pitcher. A lifelong sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the University of Michigan Wolverines and during his later years in Texas, he loved watching the Dallas Mavericks—like many, he was shocked and dismayed by the trade of Luka Dončić. Time spent with Bob often included watching football, basketball, baseball and golf or listening to preaching.

Some of Bob’s most cherished years were spent living in his A-frame chalet in Canadian Lakes Michigan, nestled against a state forest. He found deep peace and contentment in nature, a reflection of his appreciation for God’s creation. He also had simple pleasures he greatly enjoyed, including his favorite meal from Olive Garden—lasagna paired with Zuppa Toscana soup—and a virgin piña colada as well as his favorite coffee drink, a venti mocha frappaccino from Starbucks..

Bob shared 62 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Ruth Petroelje Klingenberg, whom he affectionately called his “Dear Ruthie.” He is now reunited in heaven with Ruth, as well as his daughters Jackie and Mary.

He is survived by his Sisters, Ruth Haak and Virginia Hoezee, sons Mark Klingenberg and his wife Erika, Brad Klingenberg and his wife Cynthia, along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Bob’s life was a faithful testimony of passionate service and intense devotion to Christ. Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the assurance that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Services entrusted to Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Homes.