Obituary

Kimberly Ann Van Valkenburg Toenjes, 56, of  Claremore, OK  died in Tulsa, OK, on April 7, 2026.

She was born in Pomona, CA, on December 21, 1969 to Ralph Van Valkenburg and Gloria June Porter Van Valkenburg 

Kim was the fourth child to Ralph and Gloria. They already had three, robust young sons. In the days before ultrasound that pronounces the gender of the baby, the Vans had to wait anxiously until the
moment the birth occurred. When the nurse announced, “It’s a girl!”, Ralph fell to his weakened knees and started crying. They finally had their girl. From that moment on, it was clear, this beautiful, black haired baby would leave her mark on the world.

When Kim was a toddler, she would walk on her toes everywhere she went, just running with that big toothy grin! Kim kept that smile throughout her life, offering it to everyone.

As Kim grew, her brothers were somewhat of a challenge. Jeff, being the oldest, often had to clean up baby Kim’s messes. He did so without grumbling, as only the “golden child” would. But Tony on the other hand, wasn’t quite as willing. He did so, with a few mis-steps, such as putting salt in toddler Kim’s milk bottle instead of sugar as directed by mom.

That may have contributed to Kim’s singing voice, reaching those high notes. Christopher, the
youngest brother, became Kim’s confidant, and she spent the last few moments of his life on the phone with him, comforting him, praying with him, as he stepped over into eternity.

Kim grew into a beautiful woman with a talent unsurpassed by many. She started singing at a young age with a voice like an angel. Everyone loved her singing and she loved doing it at church, family gatherings, funerals, and especially karaoke.

As the years passed, Kim had lots of ups and downs. She had some rocky marital roads, which she forgave and put behind her. But she longed to have children. Then an amazing, blessed day came when she held her son, Anthony in her arms. He was just the start of her precious family. Not long after Anthony arrived, Sara Miracle came along, a mini image of Kim. But then a short while later came beautiful Serina Rose. Life was beautiful! Her little family was complete.

Kim’s children were the love of her life. She often referred to them dearly to friends and family. There was no doubt that Kim’s heart was full of overwhelming love for these three blessings. Kim never professed to be a perfect mother. She struggled severely in areas of life most people only read about. But Kim did profess the deep love she carried until her last breath on earth. From there, she took it with her and will continue to let that love flow through the Holy Spirit into the lives of her children and grandchildren. Kim got to meet her first grandbaby, Lyric, only a short time before passing. What a joy she was to Kim.

Kim had so many friends, too numerous to mention by name, but she made all of them feel special.

Kim’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Kim was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Gloria Van Valkenburg, her brother,Christopher Van Valkenburg, her son, Cyril Toenjes Jr.

She is survived by her three children, Anthony Toenjes, Sara Toenjes, Serina Toenjes. (All are currently living in North Carolina.), two brothers, Jeffrey Van Valkenburg (Sandra) Atlanta,, GA, Tony
Van Valkenburg (Melissa) Atlanta GA, three aunts, Carol Hoke (Douglas) Bunch, OK; Cheryl Campbell (Larry) Broken Arrow, OK; Kathy Grohman (Robin) Florida; Uncle Leroy VanValkenburg, California; great aunts Wanda Jones Davis, Sperry, OK; Judy Prather, OK; great uncle, Melvin Prather, Claremore, OK; along with numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins

Graveside Service

Friday, April 10, 2026

11:00 a.m.

Oowala Cemetery

Claremore, Oklahoma