Helen Mary Klimpke

Helen Mary Klimpke 84, Athens, died Saturday, April 21, 2007 at her home. She was born March 20, 1923 in the town of Wuertzburg, daughter of the late Michael and Cecelia (Horacek) Meier. On November 26, 1949, she married LeRoy L. Klimpke in Wuertzburg. He preceded her in death on March 15, 2006. Helen and LeRoy farmed and raised registered Guernseys on Forest Home Farms in the town of Johnson for many years until moving to the town of Bern in 1980, where they retired. Helen was president of the Van Buren Homemaker's and was a member for many years. Among her many interests, she enjoyed playing sheepshead with her friends, Friday night fish fries with family and friends, loved polka dancing and especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren, never missing any of her grandchildren's sporting events. In her later years, Helen spent most of her time tending to her many plants. Survivors include, two daughters, Paulette (Ed) Hansen, Norwalk, Wis. and Jayne (Jim) Massop, Athens; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Surprise, Arz., Randie, LaCrosse, Brian, Norwalk, Wis., Bradley, Richland Center, Robert, Kirksville, Mo., Amy, Mount Horeb and Sunni, Athens; and her Best friend, Mary Borke, Athens. Besides her parents and husband, LeRoy, she was preceded in death by one son, Robert Klimpke; one brother, Ted Meier Sr.; and one sister, Marcie Esselman. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Friends may call Monday from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com