Walter J. Kleidon's Obituary
Walter J. “Wally” Kleidon
Wild Rose, WI Age 81 – died on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at the Wild Rose Manor in Wild Rose, WI. He was born on March 1, 1927 in Chicago, IL, the son of Walter W. and Elsie (Pollack) Kleidon.
He married Marvel J. Kozlovsky on June 5, 1948 in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Walter is survived by his wife; Marvel, four children; Victoria (David) Oestmann of Fort Atkinson, IA, Connie (Jim) Stuempges of Montello, WI, Sandy (Mark) Hagenbach of Green Bay, WI, and Edward W. Kleidon of LaCrosse, WI, grandchildren; Jeremy, Melissa, James, Nicholas, Joshua, Ryan, and Benjamin, a sister; Shirley Jankowski of Bartlett, IL, and an uncle; Ray Pollack of Chicago, IL. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister; Norma Kleidon. An avid traveler Wally enjoyed trips to Europe, Hawaii and Yellowstone National Park and camping with his young family, showing them the country he loved. He proudly served his country through the U.S. Army Air Corps. In fact serving in many different capacities was his calling. Walter was a charter and lifetime member of the Optimist Club, spent time as President and chaperone for the Green Berets Marching Band of Janesville, WI, and involved himself actively in his church. His recreational pursuits included softball and bowling but Wally’s true passion was following the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. During the summer months you could usually find him near a radio or television listening to Cub broadcasts. No doubt he’ll now sit in the ultimate skybox cheering the northsiders to a World Series title. Loving father and husband as well as loyal friend, Wally’s quick smile and gentle manner will be missed by all who came to know him during his special lifetime. Thank you to the staff at Wild Rose Manor for the love and care, you were Wally’s angels. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wild Rose, WI, with the Reverend Dale Bahls – Pastor, officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment and Military Honors will be held at a later date at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Wild Rose, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Wild Rose, P.O. Box 240, Wild Rose, WI 54984, or to the Optimist International Foundation, P.O. Box 952126, St. Louis, MO 63195-2126 (or visit their website for more donation options), in the name of Walter J. Kleidon. The Holly Funeral Home of Wild Rose, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
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