Sadie was just nine weeks old when she received a liver transplant at the University of Chicago. Throughout her long medical journey, she was blessed with talented doctors and nurses at various hospitals. From the very beginning of her life, Sadie used her countless hospitalizations to tell others about Jesus. It was her personal mission field. Even though she battled chronic illness, she was at peace and always trusted her Lord. During times of better health she enjoyed volunteering at The Gate, an after school program at Cultivate Church in Hamilton. She also volunteered at both Ditto and Africa’s Child in Holland.
Sadie graduated from Hamilton High School in 2013, where she was honored to be selected as Homecoming Queen. She served as manager for the girls’ basketball and volleyball teams throughout her high school years and loved being with her teammates and classmates. After graduation, she attended CBI (Community Based Instruction). Sadie then attended the Ready For Life program at Hope College, where she met wonderful friends and enjoyed being on Hope’s campus and downtown Holland. Sadie loved ballet and studied at Turning Pointe School of Dance in Holland, where she made lifelong friends and cherished memories of dancing in the The Promise, which was a yearly highlight. She also enjoyed participating in Hope College’s Dance Marathon fundraiser for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for many years.
Sadie longed to travel more, and had a bucket list of destinations, but the most important trip she made was to Israel, with Under the Fig Ministries. She was so blessed to walk where Jesus walked and had hoped to return someday.
Sadie was preceded in death by her grandfathers, George Smart and Willis Klingenberg, and also by her paternal aunt, Diane “Diney” Bennett and maternal uncle, Tom Smart.
She is survived by her parents, Randy and Jane Klingenberg of Hamilton, her brothers Mitchell and Elliott and sister, Kendal; grandmothers, Norma Klingenberg and Muriel Smart. Aunts and Uncles: Gary and Ginny Klingenberg, Rhonda and Eric Tomkins, Don and Sandy Bennett, and Janet Smart. Sadie will also be greatly missed by her many loving cousins: Heather and Todd Shupe, Gary Jr. and Kelli Klingenberg, James and Sarah Klingenberg (Cameron), Derek Haverdink (Landon), Drew and Megan Tomkins (Layla), Derek Bennett, Tommy and Amy Smart (Liam), Kayla Smart (Brayden), and Boyd and Kelli Smart, and many, many cherished friends.
Sadie’s family would like to thank Corewell Hospice for the amazing care she received, especially from her nurse Stephanie.
Service details are being confirmed. Please check back later.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to organizations that were special to Sadie:
Under the Fig Ministries – https://underthefigtree.org/
Make A Wish/West Michigan – https://wish.org/michigan
PreBorn – https://give.preborn.com
Hope College Dance Marathon/Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital – https://www.helendevoschildrens.org/foundation/helen-devos-childrens-hospital/childrens-miracle-network/dance-marathon
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