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Donald P. Kling, lovingly known as Don or Donnie, went home to be with God at the age of 88, where he was reunited with the love of his life, his beloved wife, Dorothy "Dottie" (Vipond) Kling. Don and Dottie were married on July 6, 1957, and shared a lifetime of love, faith and devotion to one another.
Don was the son of the late Paul Kling and Elizabeth (Shoop) Kling.
He leaves behind the family he loved so dearly: his daughters, Paula Perretta and Dawn Kling; a son-in-law, Ron Perretta; a family friend, Sherry Wilt; his son, Craig Kling and his wife, Beth; and his cherished grandchildren: McKayla, Lleyton and Paxton, who brought him endless pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of each of them and all they had accomplished. Also surviving are many beloved nieces and
nephews from both the Kling and Vipond families. He often said that when he married Dottie, the Vipond family welcomed him with open arms, making him feel like one of their own from the very beginning. To many of them, he was simply, "Uncle Donnie."
The Perretta family also embraced Don as a father and grandfather. Family gatherings were especially meaningful to him, and before every meal he was honored to offer a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for the blessings of family and togetherness.
A proud graduate of Altoona High School's Class of 1956, Don entered the U.S. Navy shortly after marrying Dottie. He served honorably from July 25, 1957, to July 11, 1959, aboard the USS Tanner, stationed out of New York.
Don spent his life working hard to provide for his family. He began as an apprentice plumber with Mulch Brothers before joining his late brother Jack Kling at John F. Kling Plumbing and Heating. Working as a pipefitter, Don enjoyed sharing stories about the many jobs they completed together and the lifelong friendships he made along the way. After Jack retired, Don worked at the Bomont Silk Mill in Juniata before finishing his career with S.P. McCarl, where he worked for Sean McCarl, who he always spoke of with great respect and admiration. Don retired in 2003.
His love for his trade extended beyond his own work. He enjoyed teaching welding in the evenings at the Altoona Vo-Tech, where he passed his knowledge on to future generations and earned the respect of both students and coworkers.
Some of Don's happiest childhood memories were made at the family cottage in Spruce Creek, built by his parents. He loved spending summers there and often shared stories of those carefree days with a smile.
Don and Dottie built the home where he lived until recently, with the help of family members. He took great pride in caring for their home, always finding another project to keep him busy. Over the years, wonderful neighbors became lifelong friends as they looked after one another's homes and even each other's dogs.
Faith was the foundation of Don's life. Every morning began with exercise and prayer, not only for him but for others. He was a lifelong member of Second Avenue United Methodist Church, where he had attended since he was a baby. Throughout the years, he faithfully volunteered and participated in countless church activities.
The past seven years without Dottie were not easy, but Don carried on with strength, grace and unwavering love. Every week, he faithfully visited her at the cemetery, making sure her resting place was cared for, trimming the grass or tidying the area whenever it was needed.
Don found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He looked forward to his weekly Vale Wood Farms milk and egg order, often picking up extra for others. He loved feeding the birds and watching them from his backyard. He never turned down a Wendy's Jr. Baconator hamburger or a Dairy Queen chocolate marshmallow sundae. Most of all, he treasured home-cooked meals prepared by his daughters, Paula and Dawn.
Don will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady work ethic, deep faith, generous heart and unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, share a story, offer a prayer or simply be there when someone needed him.
While his loved one's hearts are saddened by his passing, they find comfort knowing he is finally reunited with Dottie, the love of his life, and resting peacefully in God's eternal embrace. His love, wisdom and gentle spirit will remain with all who were blessed to know him.
Friends will be received from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 6 p.m., the Rev. Steve Moore officiating. Interment will be made at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to Second Avenue Global Methodist Church, 130 Second Ave., Altoona, PA 16602; or to Garvey Manor Nursing Home, 1037 South Logan Blvd., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
myerssomersfuneralhome.com