Margaret "Midge" M. Klotz

Margaret "Midge" M. Klotz , 71, of Palmerton, PA, passed into the loving embrace of our Lord on April 16, 2025, at the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lehighton, with her loving family in attendance.  Born in Red Bank, NJ, she was a daughter to Dean and Margaret E. (Conard) Balch.  Midge lived the majority of her life in her beloved hometown of Palmerton.  She graduated from the Palmerton Area High School in 1972.  Midge married the love of her life, David L. Klotz in 1977, and together they raised their son, Kevin L. Klotz, of whom she was especially proud of for his devotion as a husband, father, and son, and for his musical talent.  Midge never missed Kevin's concerts and "gigs" and could be found taking countless photos and beaming with pride throughout his performances.

Midge was involved locally as a Judge of Elections for Carbon County; she also assisted in coordinating parades in Palmerton.  In her professional capacity, in a society where many dismiss or demean people with mental issues, Midge instead found the potential they brought to their families, friends, and community.  Never judgmental, always supportive, she was a mentor and tireless advocate.  Her goal was to assist them in identifying their strengths and full potential leading to their healthiest, happiest lives.  She evidenced this first as a Psych Rehab Specialist for Resources for Human Development, and later as the Human Resources and Fiscal Director for Recovery Partnership, Bethlehem.  Midge viewed her work as a ministry, underpinned by her deep faith in Jesus Christ, and the pastors and fellowship of Blue Mountain Community Church, Palmerton.

With a wicked sense of humor, but never at the expense of others, Midge was accepting, kind and loving to everyone she encountered.  She had a generosity of spirit evidenced by her actually pulling her car over to the side of Delaware Avenue and inviting Appalachian Trail hikers to her home for a hot meal.  They arrived as strangers and left as friends.  They referred to her as a "Trail Angel."  When asked about this potentially risky choice, she replied, "well, they have to eat."  She was also known as a gifted cook, her beautiful smile, and for driving really, really, fast.

Surviving besides her beloved husband and son is a daughter-in-law, Janine Klotz, and three grandsons, Elijah, Zachary, and Matthias.  She is also survived by five siblings, Robert S. Balch and his wife Vernita of Lakeland, FL, Michael D. Balch and his wife Deborah of Lehighton, John "Jay" Balch of Kaukauna, WI, and her loving and devoted sister, Kathleen "Peggy" Frieble and her husband Robert of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Kaukauna, WI.  Midge would like to especially acknowledge Peggy for her daily phone calls, gentle strength, strong advocacy, great take-out food and "unconditional love" throughout her illness.  Midge is also survived by Godchildren, Angelina Young, and Nicholas Frieble, many nieces and nephews, and their children, whom she loved as her own, as well as cousins, colleagues, and countless friends.

A Memorial Service in honor of this modest accomplished and gentle woman, will be held Monday, May 5, 2025, 11:00a.m., at Blue Mountain Community Church, 25 Oak Street, Palmerton, PA 18071.  Call, 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. in the church.  Private Interment.  Arrangements, Campton Funeral Home, Palmerton.  Online Condolences may be left for the family at: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com .

Contributions: May be made in her memory to NAMI of the Lehigh Valley, 802 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, or nami-lvi.org.