Josephine Klecker

Josephine "Josie" Mary Klecker Josephine (Josie) passed away peacefully on February 13, 2016, at Prairie Home Assisted Living, House of Grace, in Menasha, Wisconsin, surrounded by the love of her children and dear friends. Josie was the youngest daughter of Ernest and (Elizabeth) Elsie Peterson. She was born on November 16, 1927, in Jefferson, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, Josie worked as a switchboard operator with a deftness that would put any math major to shame. However, Leon Klecker won Josie's heart and they were married June 17, 1950, putting an end to a fun and busy career. Josie and Leon had eight children, and Josie loved nothing better than to be with her family and extended family. Babies always found a welcomed place in Josie's arms. Josie enjoyed playing cards and games. She was an avid Bingo fan to the very end of her life and loved to win, which was frequently! She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake. The Klecker house was constantly filled with delicious, mouth-watering aromas. The kitchen was definitely Josie's domain during the years the children lived at home. Crocheting took up much of her spare time as the nest grew empty. Family and friends were grateful for the many afghans, hats, mittens, scarves, not to mention her "Packer bears." Josie was a good friend and neighbor to so many. She welcomed everyone into her home and life with great hugs, laughter, and food of course! Josie is survived by her children, Sandra Klecker, Debra Klecker, Susan (Terry) Linn, Jim Klecker, David Klecker, Linda (Doug) Bisbee, Jolene Preston, and daughter-in-law, Diane Klecker. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jonathan Klecker, Lindsey Klecker, Maren (Yia) Lee, Ross Bisbee, Joshua Preston, Ryan Preston, Rebecca (Patrick) Wilson, Sara Linn, Stacey (Bill) Harding, and Kevin Linn. Josie's great grandchildren include Prestyn and Sophya Lee; Felicity Wilson; Elsie, Opal, and William Harding; and two great grandsons due in March and June. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Teresa McConville and Phyllis Klecker, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Josie is preceded in death by her husband, Leon Klecker; son, Thomas Klecker; grandson, Matthew Bisbee; son-in-law, Michael Preston; sisters, Lillian Peterson, Florence (Frank) Kalson, Margaret (Larry) Klecker; and brother, Clarence (Annette) Peterson. She is also preceded in death by many in-laws and other relatives. A special thanks to all the wonderful and compassionate staff and caregivers at Prairie Home Assisted Living and the outstanding staff at ThedaCare at Home Hospice for taking such good care of Josie. An extra special thanks to her very good friends Deb, the activity director, and Gene, the best Bingo caller ever! In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Prairie Home Assisted Living, St. Bernard's/St. Henry Catholic Churches or ThedaCare at Home Hospice. A celebration of Josie's life will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 11:30 AM at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 114 South Church Street, Watertown WI. A visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Inurnment will conclude at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson at 2:30 PM.

Visitation

Friday, March 4, 2016 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States

Service

Friday, March 4, 2016 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States