James “Jim†Klenke, 72, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024. Jim was born in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to Donald and Carol Klenke. He grew up with his siblings, Bill (Robin) Klenke, Bob Klenke, Tom (Guillermo Suarez) Klenke, John (Charlotte) Klenke, Joe Klenke, Shirlyn (Mark) Adkins, and David (Becky) Klenke.
In 1976, he married the love of his life, Gail (Proctor). He gained 2 more parents Dick and Gwen Proctor and 3 more siblings, Debby Klenke, Mike (LeeAnn) Proctor, and Jon (Gina) Proctor. He went on to have two children Paul (Holly Pynnonen) Klenke and Jeni (Jay) Dansand and two grandchildren, Natalie and Nathan Dansand.
At 41 years old, Jim miraculously survived a massive stroke and honorably retired from the U.S. Army. Jim continued the education he started while serving, and went on to earn a dual master’s degree (though his favorite way to begin an explanation was, “I only have a GED, BUT…â€). He spent the rest of his days doing Tinkering Projects large and small, pursuing continuing education in a wide assortment of unrelated subjects, and finding ways to bring others joy with his devotion to volunteer work, including a long-term and dedicated commitment to Options for Independent Living.
Always an outdoorsman, Jim’s love of fishing at Lake of the Ozarks, golfing, gardening, and his relentless pursuit of Sasquatch kept him busy and reveling in God’s gift of nature.
Per his decades-long request, this obituary will be kept short, and also mention that he did, in fact, meet Sasquatch. You’re welcome, Dad.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Donald, and brother, John, as well as Dick and Gwen Proctor.
Visitation will be at St. Mary Parish, 4805 Sportsman Drive, De Pere, WI on Friday, June 28th, at 9:00 a.m. with Memorial Mass to follow at 11 a.m.
Gail would like to thank the Bellin Health Team for their tireless and compassionate support over the past four years. Jim stated his 2024 PT goal was to be walking again by summer; we believe he succeeded on Sunday as he freely walked to meet his Heavenly Father.
To honor Jim’s devout Catholic faith and dedication to serving others, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion (New Franken, WI) or Options for Independent Living (Green Bay, WI).
Online condolences please visit www.lyndahl.com |