John Leslie Klimek

Klimek, John Leslie

John Leslie Klimek, age 88, of Appleton, died Sunday morning, December 23, 2007, on his birthday. He was born December 23, 1919, to the late Peter and Mary (Witucki) Klimek in Merrill and grew up in Wausau. As a young child, John, moved to Appleton. He enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1942 and served in Europe, being discharged in 1946. While serving in Europe, he was involved with the D-Day Invasion and was a Utah Beach survivor. John had been employed by Graphic Communications, as a printer, retiring at the age of 75. He was a championship bowler, an avid golfer and had won the Senior Championship at Reid Municipal Golf Course. John was an avid Packer fan; in his retirement he enjoyed reading, especially historical fiction. He enjoyed keeping his yard looking nice, playing cards and had been caregiver to his wife and daughter. He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Rose M. (Braatz) Klimek, whom he married, November 30, 1946; three daughters, Barbara (Tom) Wentzel, Kimberly; Jane (Glen) Heino, Roseville, MN; Mary Beth Klimek, Appleton; a granddaughter, Sarah (Peter) Stoeger, Appleton; four great grandchildren, Ryan, age 5, Samantha, age 2, Luke, age 2, and Renee, age 2; a brother, Norbert (Carolyn) Wieloch, Appleton; four sisters-in-law, Marie Klimek, St. Louis, MO; Joan Wieloch, Menasha; Lucy Belonger, Elgin, IL; Edith (Milton) Thielke, Houston, TX; nieces and nephews, close neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, John Wieloch, brothers, Chester Klimek and Leonard Wieloch, a sister, Lucille (Ivan) Rhyner, brothers and sisters-in-law, Rupert (Dorothy) Braatz, George (June) Braatz, Delores (Evan) Tinsman, John (Elsie) Braatz, Robert Belonger, his in-laws, George and Rose (Krumbach) Braatz, nieces and nephews. The funeral liturgy for John will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 28, 2007, at ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 North McDonald Street, with Father Gerald Falk officiating. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:00 am, until the time of the mass. A memorial fund is being established.

Mary Beth says, rest in peace, Dad.

A special thank you to Carolina Manor, Dr. Travis Kroner, Dr. David Buchanan and the staff of Appleton Medical Center.
WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
www.wichmannfargo.com