Cynthia "Cindy" Klapka

Cynthia “Cindy” Joy Klapka (Rome), age 54 years, passed away peacefully after a long-fought battle on February 13, 2022, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison surrounded by her loving family.

Cindy was born on October 7, 1967, in West Allis to Keith “Tony” Rome. She was joined in marriage to Robert C. Klapka, Jr. on December 31, 1996, in Waukesha.

Cindy had a wide range of expertise in her life from working with horses and show dogs to a career in cosmetology! Although she enjoyed all those things, she soon realized that her true calling was to help people in need, especially the elderly. The love and generosity she had radiated through most with her cooking and ability to make anywhere feel like home. Imagine walking in your favorite restaurant, the aroma, that happy feeling you get when it’s time to go to your table, you sit down; only to realize that you are now in the most comfortable clothes you’ve ever wore and the atmosphere is calming, somehow smells like home. Now your favorite meal is being brought to your table, it's time to dig in! As you’re eating you realize this is the most delicious it has ever tasted, well… that’s because Cindy cooked it. Anyone can follow a recipe! However, until you eat food created by someone whose hands are seasoned with love, you’re missing out my friend. A lot of people and animals got to experience this extraordinary love because her arms were open to anyone that needed a place to stay, and once you found your way to her; nobody could take away her will to protect you.

Cynthia Joy was a beautiful and passionate woman, she fought hard for her life and her family every minute of every day. She jumped hurdles with grace and anytime she got knocked down, she got back up. Fighting through the pain she endured everyday was exhausting; chronic pain is demanding and heartbreaking. She now gets to take time for herself and rest. Her fight will forever be a testament to the people she loved. Let her battle remind you; other people are fighting wars you may never know about.

Most people don’t understand the severity a stroke can take hold of your body and mind, the damage from a stroke isn’t always visible. Take a second to think about the battles you may personally be facing and realize,

You are not alone. Cindy made a point to brighten up someone’s day anytime she could, because she too realized others had hardships.

Cindy’s spirit will forever be remembered by her husband of 25 years, Robert Klapka, their children Amanda Klapka and Erik Anderson, honorary son and daughter Gene Lee and Kayla Burkett. Three grandchildren Sophia, Landon, and Paige, and all the furbabies in her life! She had 5 siblings, not including her honorary sister Dawn, and all the bonus sisters and brothers she gained over the years from her siblings and her marriage. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was known as Mom and Grandma to a lot of different people, those of you know who you are; please know she loved you all to the moon and back.

Cindy left the physical world with love and entered her new world with love by her father, Keith Rome and Grandma, Louise Young.

A celebration of Cindy’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials in Cindy’s name can be directed to her family.  Cards and letters can be mailed to Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home (Attn: Klapka) 1315 W Washington St.  West Bend, WI  53095.

The family would like to thank the staff at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital and the staff at the Beaver Dam Dialysis Center for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Cindy’s arrangements. Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family.