Iris Kay Klinefelter

Great Falls- Iris Kay (Kujawa) Klinefelter, loving wife and mother, passed away at her home, with family by her side, after a long illness on Aug. 23, 2018. A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, September 30th, at 11:30 am at The Elks Lodge 500 1st Ave. So, Great Falls, MT.We invite you to join us so that we can celebrate her life together. Iris was born in St. Cloud Minn., on April 7, 1944 to Leona and Lawrence Kujawa.She was the older sister of Larry Kujawa who preceded her in death. Iris graduated from Milaca High School in 1962 and then went on to receive her teaching degree from St. Cloud State in only three years.After college, Iris traveled with a friend through Mexico and the southwest. This was Iris’ adventurous side as her and her friend even slept in a tent sometimes. She ended up in Denver Colorado where she began her teaching career. Denver is where she also met the love of her life, John Klinefelter. They dated for a couple of years and then John proposed at a Ski hill in Loveland. In 1969, Iris and John married at the church in Brennyville MN with the reception following at Morrill. After they were married they moved to Wichita, Kansas where John worked for Anderson Windows. Iris taught in Wichita until they had their bundles of joy, Kara and Eric.While John was traveling around the western states, he went through Great Falls Montana and that was it… that was where they were going to move.In 1975, John came up and bought a house unseen to Iris.He returned and they packed everything up and moved north. Once in Great Falls, Iris took some time off to raise Kara and Eric, but soon went back to teaching. She taught for a few years in and around Great Falls and then in 1985 she got hired in Belt as the 4th grade teacher. She sped back and forth to Belt for 21 years in her blue Cadillac. When you add them all up, Iris taught for more than 30 years. She retired from Belt Elementary School in 2006 where she made a lasting impression on her 4th grade students, parents, colleagues, and the community. After retirement, Iris volunteered at the Lewis and Clark interpretive center and shared the knowledge of what she loved to teach-- Montana history.Going to garage sales was a weekend event that the grandkids looked forward to. There were many birthday treasures that were found on these trips.She also spent a lot of time at the country club. She would take the grandkids golfing and to the pool on a regular basis. Iris would also enjoy lunch there with her many friends.She made her children, her friends, and her grandchildren a priority—no matter what she was doing. Throughout her life, Iris touched all who knew her and amazed them with her generosity, sincere kindness, and hospitality. Iris loved teaching and making a difference in many kids’ lives. She will be remembered for making gingerbread houses every Christmas with her students and cookies with her grandchildren. Iris also cherished the times spent at the family cabin in Neihart, golfing with friends, camping, watching her 6 grandchildren play their sports, and hosting frequent family gatherings She is survived by her husband, John Klinefelter of Great Falls; her son Eric (Amber) Klinefelter and their children Colter, Corbin, Brynn and Anslee all of Great Falls; her daughter Kara (Brian) Greenwell and their children Kylie and Tucker all of Great Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peace Hospice of Great Falls. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.