Rose Marie "Little Rose" Klimek

KLIMEK, ROSE MARIE (nee BRAATZ), “Little Rose”

Rose Marie Klimek, age 86, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. She was born on January 21, 1923 in Shawano, the daughter of the late George, Sr. and Rose (Krumbach) Braatz. On November 30, 1946, she married John Leslie Klimek in Shawano. Rose graduated from Shawano High School in 1940 and Actual Business College, Appleton in 1942. As a young woman, Rose was employed at Weber & Persons Sporting Goods until the arrival of her three daughters. She was a faithful and founding member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Rose enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing, gardening and singing. Many will recall playing sheepshead and bridge with Rose and she loved surrounding herself in the company of family, neighbors, and friends. Rose's philosophy of life: “We all have to play the hand we've been dealt to the best of our ability.”

She is survived by her daughters: Barbara (Tom) Wentzel, Kimberly; Jane (Glen) Heino, Roseville, Minnesota and Mary Beth Klimek, Appleton; granddaughter: Sarah (Pete) Stoeger, Appleton; great grandchildren: Ryan, Samantha, Luke and Renee Stoeger, Appleton; sisters: Lucy Belonger, Elgin, Illinois and Edith (Milton) Thielke, Duluth, Minnesota; brother-in-law: Norbert (Carolyn) Wieloch, Appleton and sister-in-law: Marie Klimek, St. Louis, Missouri. Rose is further survived by nieces, nephews, former neighbors and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Klimek on December 23, 2007; her parents, George Sr. and Rose Braatz; father and mother-in-law, Peter Klimek and Mary (Witucki) Klimek Wieloch; sister, Delores (Evan) Tinsman; brothers: Rupert (Dorothy), George Jr. (June, Irene) and John (Elsie) Braatz; brothers-in-law: Robert Belonger, Chester Klimek and Leonard (Joan) Wieloch; sister-in-law: Lucille (Ivan) Rhyner; nieces and nephews.

The resurrection liturgy will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 2, 2009 at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald Street, Appleton. Father Gerald Falk will be officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday at the church from 9:00 am until the time of mass. Inurnment will take place next to her beloved John in the Spring when the flowering almonds are in bloom. Memorials are appreciated to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), and the American Stroke Association.

Special thanks to Dr. Dawn Rogers, Dr. Travis Kroner, the emergency room staff at Appleton Medical Center, and especially Greg and the staff at Carolina Manor Assisted Living where Rose made her home from 2007 to 2009, to the staff of Preferred Home Health Care who took care of her at her home from 2003 to 2007, and to Father Gerald Falk, Sister Betty and Sister Mary Rose of St. Thomas More Parish for all of their support and prayers.

Mom, the hand you were dealt was a tough one especially these last 6 ½ years, but you played it brilliantly and won the game. May you walk hand in hand with Dad forever. – Barbara

She faced life head on with grace and courage mixed with an unfailing wit. I'm honored to call her my Mom. – Jane

Rest in peace my Pal. – Mary Beth

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231