David F. Kleman

David F. Kleman, 87, of Ringle died Sunday, September 8, 2024, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Pride TLC, Weston.

He was born February 23, 1937, in the Town of Reid, son of the late Frank and Helen (Rutkowski) Kleman.  On October 26, 1962, he married Merna Sickler at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and she preceded him in death on April 19, 2017.

Dave grew up on the family farm in the Town of Reid. On the farm and through several early jobs, he learned a variety of skills that made him a jack of all trades including logging, woodworking, roofing, and even rebuilding a 1948 Ford tractor. He used these skills in building two of his own homes. His expertise and problem-solving abilities also served him well in his long career in the window manufacturing industry which he retired from in 1999 after working 42 years. Dave loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible there. He loved fishing and hunting which also led him to travel out West and to Canada with family and friends. Although he loved nature, his true love was Merna, his wife of over 54 years. His reunion with her will be a joyous one. Dave always put family first, so “Papa Dave” will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his children, Randy (Holly) Kleman, Seymour, Indiana and Rick (JoAnn) Kleman, Kronenwetter; grandchildren, Austin Kleman SJ, Nicole (Daniel Ennis) Kleman, Ian Kleman, Noah Kleman, Emily (Connor) Walts and Ryan Kleman; and great-grandson, Elijah Walts.

Besides his parents and wife, Merna, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Schofield.  Rev. Jeffrey Mahnke will officiate.  Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service all at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Schofield.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com