Connie Klingler Obituary

Connie Klingler, born September 26, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a longtime resident of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at the age of 73. Connie was a woman full of joy and fierce love. She gave herself completely to the people in her life-her family, her friends, and her community. Born Consuela Alicia Candelaria to Raymond and Clara Candelaria, she grew up in Cortez, Colorado, surrounded by siblings and stories, and never lost her love familia. In the 1970s, she moved to Gillette, Wyoming, where she planted roots and built a life centered around love, service, and community. She started her family by adopting her niece Michelle, and later welcomed Raymond and Kadie into her heart and home. She was a dedicated worker-supporting students as a teacher's aide, bringing energy to the News Record, Albertson's, and the County Courthouse. She gave her time, heart, and humor to every space she entered. Connie found deep love and companionship with Kirk Klingler. They met at a moment when they both needed something real. What they built together was strength, joy, and devotion. She often shared that Kirk taught her honesty and integrity. Their years were full of travel, card games, and karaoke nights-especially their unforgettable rendition of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light." In Connie's final years, Kirk's care and love never wavered. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Clara Candelaria, her brother Remijio Candelaria, and many beloved family members and close friends who went before her. She is survived by her husband, Kirk Klingler; her children, Michelle (Brett) Candelaria-Dunstan, Raymond (Celeste) Donaldson, and Kadie Donaldson; her grandchildren Allyssa (Davis) Tyrrell, Michael (Mackenzi) Dunstan, Bailee Dunstan, Marie Donaldson, Fernando (Madison) Jurado, Marissa Ritthaler, Kincaid (Cybil), Kaimon (Leah), and Klacyee Donaldson; and her great-grandchildren: Genevieve, Magnolia, Aryas, Eli, Oakley, Kainoa, and Armani. She is also survived by her siblings Yvonne Candelaria, Donna Wallace, and Paul Candelaria. Her spirit lives on in every Bronco touchdown celebrated in her name, in the warmth of a well-worn crochet blanket, and in the lively discussions of book clubs that carry her memory forward. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com