(Nee Tilch) Long time Menomonee Falls resident, Mary Klemm passed away on March 12, 2020, age 96, surrounded by her loving family at her family home of 64 years.
Her sweet chuckle, unmistakable sense of humor, wisdom, and mental strength will be missed by all. She survived many worldly as well as personal crises with dignity and graciousness. Her life was simple but filled with love. Her cookie jar always filled with homemade cookies, the cupboards with snacks and goodies. The first thing many of us did when we came was to check out the candy and cookies. Her favorite desert to make was pie with the crust made from scratch. She was frugal and proud of her worldly things but her life was filled with faith. Her rosary was never far away. EWTN was her favorite television station. She played dominos every Saturday night at home with her sons and daughters. Her favorite color was blue. She liked to sew, read and garden. But most of all Mary loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When we told her we loved her, her response was “I love you too but I love all of my children”. Her face would light up when she held her ‘babies’. WE were blessed to have her in our lives for so many years. We will miss her terribly but heaven gained an angel.
Born in Greenwood Township, Taylor County, WI, on March 25, 1923 to William and Rose Tilch, the oldest of 13 children. She moved to Milwaukee to find work, met and then married Ralph Klemm on June 28th, 1947 on her parent’s 25th anniversary. They moved to Menomonee Falls in the fall of 1955. Mary stayed at home until the last of her 8 children started school. She worked as an aide at the Menomonee Falls Nursing home for 25 years. She retired at the age of 70. After that she and Ralph spent some time traveling, cross country skiing, dancing and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her husband Ralph passed away shortly before their 52nd anniversary and she continued living in the family home. The Klemm’s were members of St Mary Parish in Menomonee Falls for 64 years.
Preceded in death by her husband Ralph A. Klemm, her parents; William and Rose Tilch, in-laws; Robert and Meta Klemm, siblings; Francis Tilch, Bernard (Lyla) Tilch, Irvin Tilch, Lillian Klemm, brothers and sister-in-laws; Alvin Neddo, Joseph Hraby, Frank Szomi, Eugene Kenney, Fred Klemm, Earl (Mary) Klemm, Oliver Klemm, Virginia (Gil) Brahmer, Hazel (Charles) Klemm, Eugene Klemm, Myrnabell (Robert) Scheller, Grandson; Benjamin Wensel. There are also many nieces and nephews and other relatives that are too numerous to mention.
Survived by brothers, Melvin (Ann) Tilch, Harvey (Mary) Tilch, and John (Sue) Tilch. Survived by sisters; Rosella Neddo, Marcella Hraby, Delores Kenney, Cecelia Szomi, Margie Tilch. Also survived by brother-in-law Emery (Shirley) Klemm, sister-in-laws; Evelyn Tilch, June (Delbert) Brandner, Beatrice Klemm, Leigh Klemm, brother-in-law; Irving Klemm.
Survived by children; Dennis (Patricia) Klemm, Alvin (Rosie) Klemm, Marie (Terry) Michaels, Loretta Wensel, Linda Klemm, Luci Scheff, Joseph (Colleen) Klemm, Theresa (Jim) Rooney.
Survived by grandchildren; Tim Klemm, Jessica Hyke, Amanda (Jake) Hart, Louis Klemm, Chad (Hyun-Ji) Dienhart, Ryan (Donna) Dienhart, Nicholas (Laura) Wensel, Chelsey Klemm, Allison (Matt) Bednarski, Lyndsey (Frank) Bacon, William (Amy) Klemm, Matthew (Samantha) Klemm, Bryan (Connie) Lange, Kevin (Kia) Lange, step-grandchildren; Ryan Rooney, Andrew Rooney.
Survived by great grandchildren; Evelyn and Charlotte Hyke, Samuel and Grace Hart, Chase and Ryder Dienhart, Kiera and Noah Wensel, Maxwell, Cyril, Marion, and Isaac Bednarski, Emilia, Lillian and Theodore Bacon, Rosemary Klemm, Frankie Klemm, Nova Lange.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews and other extended relatives.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the charity of your choice. We are also so appreciative of Horizon Home Care and Hospice for the kindness and respect given to Mary along with the support to our family.
Services will be private
