Leroy L. Klimpke

LeRoy L. Klimpke, 82, Athens, died Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at the House of Dove, Marshfield. LeRoy was born and raised on his parent's family farm, Forest Home Farm, where he spent his youth working with his father. LeRoy was an avid athlete and his favorite sports were basketball and baseball. In 1941, he was a member of the District Champion Basketball Team. On November 26, 1949, he married Helen Mary Meier in Wuertzburg. She survives. "Dad" was very proud of his 'Guernsey Heritage' and avidly bred, raised and exhibited Nationwide his Champion Guernsey Cattle. He passed his great love of animals on to his children and grandchildren. "Grandpa" was an excellent teacher and was always ready to share his talent and knowledge on Guernsey cattle. "Father" was very proud to have the top Butterfat producing dairy cow in the State of Wisconsin in 1972. "Grandpa" spent his Golden Years following his beloved grandchildren's sports activities. Whether it was volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball or track, grandpa was always in the stands cheering with his family. His enthusiasm and knowledge of sports will be missed by all those who loved him. LeRoy was a member of the North Central Guernsey Breeders Association, served on the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeder State Board, School Board Member and President from 1966-1990, Marathon County Handicap Children Education Board from 1987-1990, Wisconsin CESA #9 Board of Control, 4-H Leader of Laddian 4-H Club, Dairy Shrine Club, Honorary Chapter Farmer FFA, Athens Fair Board Member and President, Athens Fair Parade Marshal, and Town of Bern Supervisor from 1996 until present. Among his many interests, he enjoyed gardening and meticulously cared for his lawn. LeRoy was proud of his garden produce and we will all miss seeing him working in his garden this coming summer. Survivors include, his wife, Helen, Athens; two daughters, Paulette (Ed) Hansen, Sparta and Jayne (Jim) Massop, Athens; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Phoenix, Ariz., Randie, LaCrosse, Brian, Sparta, Bradley, Richland Center, Robert, Kirksville, Mo., Amy and Sunni, Athens; and one sister, Agnes Zander, Leesburg, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret (Lehmann) Klimpke; one son, Robert Klimpke; one brother, Edmund; and two sisters, Olga and Esther. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2006 at Christ United Church, Athens. Rev. Kenneth Dix and Rev. Charles Hiebl will co-officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com