Gerald Klimpke

Gerald “Jerry” J. Klimpke, 78, town of Johnson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Colonial Health and Rehabilitation Center in Colby, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

He was born Nov. 24, 1943, in the town of Johnson, son of the late Walter and Lavina (Christenson) Klimpke. On September 2, 1967, he married Phyllis Ortman at Peace Lutheran Church, town of Frankfort. She survives.

Jerry farmed in the town of Johnson his entire life. The two most important pastimes in his life were spending time with his family and farming his land.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Phyllis; two children: Tina (James) Borter and William (Joy) Klimpke; five grandchildren: Jessica (Matt) Hein, Zach (Alexa) Borter, Skyler Geiger and Alex and Johnathon Klimpke; five great-grandchildren: Jacob, Emilie and Braxton Hein and James and Kirsten Geiger; step-great-grandson, Joxton Boushan; three siblings: Walter Jr. (Carol) Klimpke, Shirley (Clarence) Liss and Ruth Komarek; four sistersin- law: Donna Solchenbuger, Betty (David) Holbach, Martha Rodman and Barbara Ortman, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Anna Klimpke; five brothers-in-law: Jack Ortman, James Ortman, Lester Solchenbuger, Gene Rodman and Donald Komarek; and one sister-in-law, Ramona Ortman.

A funeral service will be at noon on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Peace Lutheran Church, town of Frankfort. Rev. Jeff Tarras will preside. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

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