Christine A. Klossner

Christine A. Klossner, 59, of Punta Gorda, passed away at home on April 5, 2014. Chris was born October 30, 1954 in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the daughter of Eugene and Marilyn (Polly) Engebrecht. She attended school in Waukesha, Wisconsin, graduating from Waukesha High School and then attended Lakeland College, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It was at Lakeland that she met and on June 8, 1974, married her husband, Bill. While living in Cleveland, Wisconsin, Chris, now as a mother of three, returned to Lakeland College where she completed her degree requirements and was awarded a B.A. in Elementary Education. Chris and Bill moved to Punta Gorda in 1988 when he was called to serve the Congregational United Church of Christ. Chris began her 25 year career in education at Sallie Jones Elementary School in 1989, retiring December 31, 2013 due to her health. While at Sallie Jones, Chris taught both second and third grades, and also served as the Educational Resources Teacher. She received her M.A. degree in Math, Science and Technology from the University of South Florida , and an Education Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University. Chris was proud of her children and grandchildren, inspiring all three children to become educators. Chris instilled in her students, family and friends a love of, and passion for, reading. She was a quiet and confident leader who could make complex issues seem logical. Chris is survived by her husband, the Rev. Bill Klossner, children, Jacob (Jenna), Punta Gorda, Michael (Lacie), Arcadia, and Emily, Port Charlotte, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Caden, Kiersten, Dylan, Alaina, and Easton, and her parents, Gene and Polly Engebrecht, Punta Gorda. An informal fellowship gathering for friends to share time with her family will be held on Friday, May 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1201 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda. A service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 pm at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda with the Rev. Dr. John Syster, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations in Chris' name be made to the Congregational United Church, P.O. Box 510838, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0838, to the Kiwanis Foundation of Charlotte County, P.O. Box 510777, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0777, or to Sallie Jones Elementary School Library, 1230 Narranja St. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. To express condolences or leave remembrances for the family, please sign the online guest book.