Raymond E. Kleman, age 90, of West Bend, entered into eternal life on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in the town of West Bend.
He was born on October 18, 1921 in the town of Trenton to the late Theodore and Adela (nee Ciriacks) Kleman. On May 19, 1945, Ray was united in marriage to Della Krause at David's Star Ev. Lutheran Church in Kirchayn. Together Ray and Della spent many years farming in the town of Trenton. They eventually retired from farming and enjoyed 23 years as caretakers for a property in the town of Saukville. Ray also worked part time at Lochen Equipment in Newburg. In 2000, they moved to Cedar Ridge where they were able to enjoy their hobbies and make many new friends. Della passed away on September 18, 2011.
Ray was an active member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church where he served on the church council for many years. He loved time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, designing and making toys, and gardening.
He is survived by four children, Kathy (David) Lochen of West Bend, Judy (Darwin) Kison of Cedarburg, Cherie (Chris) Larsen of Hayward, and Edwin (Connie) Kleman of West Bend; nine grandchildren, Jeff and Tim Lochen, Brenda (Jeff) Halverson, Colleen (Todd) Oestreich, Ryan (Carlene) Kison, Margo (Chris) Anderson, Peter Larsen, Stephanie (Josh) Roth, and Chris (Marnie) Kleman; and 8 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by a sister-in-law, Louise (Art) Ciriacks of West Bend; a brother-in-law, Robert Krause of Milwaukee; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Della; a great-grandson, Ethan Roth; three sisters, Esther (Reinhard) Beimborn, Mabel (Herbert) Strege, and Evelyn (Elmer) Gauger; and a sister-in-law, Lucille (Carl) Butzke.
Funeral services in remembrance of Ray will be held on Wednesday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 1268 Pleasant Valley Road, West Bend. Burial will follow in Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, on Tuesday, November, 29 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorials to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church Expansion Fund are greatly appreciated.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to their friends at Cedar Ridge for all of their love and support; and to the staff at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center and Cedar Community Hospice for their compassion and care, it is greatly appreciated.