Frieda Mathilde Kluth

Frieda Mathilde Kluth died peacefully on August 28, 2006 after a short illness at the age of 83 at her home in Salt Lake City. She was an amazing women; a stalwart to family and friends and she will be sorely missed; but we believe that she is now in a better place with her Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Frieda was born October 22, 1922 in Neulebehnke, Germany. Her childhood was spent on a small farm in East Germany. Frieda recalls that these were happy times being the oldest child in a family with three younger brothers. Frieda’s professional life in Germany included cooking and working in large hotels and restaurants.

During the War, Frieda married Walter Kluth, while he was serving in the German Air Force, in 1943. In difficult times, she fostered an incredible spirit of determination, resourcefulness and resilience. Among her amazing accomplishments was saving her younger brother, grandmother, and young son from the invading Armies.

Always tenacious and forward looking, Frieda initiated the family’s immigration to the United States in March 1953 settling their small family in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Her willingness to embrace life included a diligence for hard work which led to the creation of a comfortable new life in Idaho and Utah. She always had an eye for organizing to make things better and more beautiful. In December of 1958 one of Frieda and Walter’s proudest moments was becoming naturalized citizens of The United States of America, a country they loved and cherished.

A tidy home, a beautiful garden, a helping hand, a hug and a smile were all Frieda’s signatures. She also loved to travel and fish with Walter. Family and friends were drawn to her for her strong will, her easy smile, her generosity of time and energy, and always an adoring twinkle in her eyes.

She was active in St. John’s Lutheran Church where she enjoyed serving the Lord through her volunteer work, her expert knitting and handwork, and her fastidiousness and attention to the many details with the Altar Guild.

Frieda is survived by her brother, Kurt Jahnke of Nienburg, Germany; sister-in-law Ruth Jahnke, Idaho Falls, Idaho, son Dietmar and his wife, Pauline of Laguna Beach, California; her two granddaughters and their spouses, Kirsten and Jason Bennett of Boise, Idaho and Allyson and Michael Banks of Washington, DC – and her five great grandchildren; Grant, Lauren, Ella, Charlotte, and Hutton.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church, 475 East Herbert, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may call from
11:00-12:00 prior to services at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary (4760 South State Street). Frieda will be laid to rest next to her husband, Walter, at the Mountain View Memorial (Cottonwood Heights).

The family would like to thank Superior Hospice, especially Gene, and the caretakers at Heaven Sent, Jody, Darlene, Kathy and Bobby for their tender loving care of Frieda. A special thanks to Pastor Bryan Lindemood who has been a source of comfort and guidance to both Frieda and her family.