Announcements
Alaska Missionary Helen Klokow Memories
By Pastor Nicholson with Carrie Anvil-Kiana
Sep 13, 2008, 09:23

(L-R) Helen, Anna Anvil, Carrie Anvil-Kiana, Dr. Linda Klokow, Helen's Granddaughter, Krystal

Sister Carrie's memories of Helen Klokow:

I first met the Klokows when they came to Bethel in the late 1960’s. Mrs. Klokow was an energetic happy lady. I liked her right away. I was about 9 years old. Their family came to Bethel to be our Ministers for the Bethel Moravian Church. Her husband is Melvin; children are Christine, Linda, David and Jonathan.

Mrs. Klokow loved us kids and kept busy teaching us music and singing. I was already playing the clarinet in the school band, and she wanted to teach me how to play the piano. My brothers Peter and Oscar were already her students in learning the piano. Mrs. Klokow wanted all of us kids to play a musical instrument. My parents ordered a piano and it was shipped to Bethel. All of us took piano lessons and some of us excelled in playing the piano and some took interest in singing and other musical instruments. No matter what we chose she encouraged us in playing music or singing. All of my brothers and me were also in her bell choir. Each of us kids with other children played the bells and played for the congregation at every church event or program. We had such good fun. She always chose me to sing the “Morning Star” song. She would tell me to sing out loud so the congregation could hear the words, so I did just that. I would sing out loud and what a good time I had. She was a happy lady and I just loved being around her.

My life at that time was a happy time. I was a young girl eager to learn any kind of music and to sing songs in church. She was so encouraging to us that she made it fun to learn.

I am where I am today in helping, teaching and singing in church because of the great enthusiasm and encouragement she had in teaching me. I will never forget her and will ever be grateful for her unconditional love she showed me.

My Mom and I had a chance to go visit the Klokows in Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago. I will never forget how she hadn’t changed with the same enthusiasm and a great attitude for life. She made sure we were comfortable at their home. She even gave up her bedroom for me and Mom. I was kind of embarrassed to stay in their room, but she insisted. The swimming pool in their back yard was also a fun place to hang out at. The orange and grapefruit trees were also a cool thing to have in the morning. We went swimming and had fun with her family and grandchildren along with their huskies dogs. She made sure I was having a memorable trip when Helen, Linda and me went to Disney World. I had a very fun time and a memorable trip that I’ve never forgotten. I am great full of the good times we had together. I will always have those good memories.

Mrs. Helen Klokow made a big impression on me when I was a little girl and when I became an adult. I will forever remember this lady God sent in my life. I will miss her dearly and will keep her in my heart forever. I can’t wait to go to heaven and see her, she will be with the angels singing and playing the piano. I love you and will miss you, Mrs. Helen Klokow.