Elizabeth "Betty" M. Klarner

Elizabeth “Betty” (Yanggen) Klarner, age 94, was called to her heavenly home on Thursday October 25, 2018, with her loving family by her side, at the Valley VNA in Neenah. Betty was born the daughter of the late Sylvester and Anna (Sprangers) Yanggen on August 28, 1924. She was a life-long resident of Menasha, WI, and an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha. She attended St. Mary grade school and high school, graduating in 1942.

On November 17, 1951, Betty married the love of her life, the late Gilbert “Gib” Klarner at St. Mary's. They raised seven children over more than 60 years of marriage. Betty was also known as “The Income Tax Lady,” referring to her home business, The Klarner Agency, preparing tax returns for many area families and businesses for more than 46 years. She was a founding board member of NATP (National Association of Tax Practitioners). After selling her tax practice, Betty volunteered her time to do the tax records for the Keen-Agers Home on Fifth Street in Menasha for many years. In her spare time, Betty loved to travel, especially with the First Star Club, and enjoyed her garden. Listening to music and singing along brought joy to her life. Betty’s involvement in church life at St. Mary’s included daily mass and organizing prayer books in the pews. Her grandchildren and their activities kept her young at heart. The Klarner home was always a lively place filled with family, friends and clients.

Betty will be dearly missed by her children: Michael A., Appleton, WI, and Vail, CO; Mary Ellen (Nicholas) Kees, Mequon; Kathryn A. (Murice) Standiford, Grants Pass, OR; Robert G. and special friend Kathy “Bushy” Lowe, Neenah; Susan J. (Kevin) Wilz, Menasha; and Peggy J. Klarner (Patrick Gillespie), Palm Desert, CA; and by her two grandchildren: Anna (Matthew Hart) Kees, Milwaukee; and Matthew (Rachel) Kees, Appleton. She recently became a great grandmother to June Elizabeth Hart. Betty is further survived by a niece, Gloria (Harold Stops) Falkavage, Milwaukee.

Preceding her in death were her husband Gib on November 4, 2012, their son, Thomas G. Klarner on February 19, 2014; father and mother-in-law, Frank and Martha (Schoettler) Klarner; sister-in-law Margaret (Ray) Falkavage, and brother-in-law Kenneth (Ethel) Klarner.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second Street, Menasha, with Fr. Paul Paider officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the hour of the Mass at the church. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

Betty's family would like to thank the caregivers at Valley VNA Senior Care for all of their loving kindness and compassion over the last eight years; it will never be forgotten. The family is also grateful for the tender care she received from the hospice staff of Theda Care at Home. A very special thank you is given to devoted friends Rosemarie Eaton and family, Lois Forslund, and Cecile Lingnowski.

Mom, we want to thank you for instilling the great values and Christian beliefs in all of us. We will continue to carry these forward to everyone we touch in our lives. We love you truly and you will always be our sunshine.