William “Bill” R. Klass

William “Bill” R. Klass, 97, Cornell, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at Cornell Heath Services.

William was born Oct. 1, 1923, in Chippewa County, Town of Arthur, to George and Margaret (Misfelt) Klass.

He attended Eleanor School and graduated from Cadott High School. After graduation, he worked at St. Regis Paper Mill in Cornell, for 42 years.

Bill married the love of his life, Elaine Jensen, June 14, 1945, at First Presbyterian Church in Cornell. They just celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary this past June.

He golfed on a league until he was in his 80s and was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for 75 years. He also enjoyed just shooting the breeze at his son, Denny’s, barbershop.

Bill was a former member of the Cornell Fire Department and played a lot of baseball, as a left-handed pitcher. He loved to pick ginseng with his brother, Frank, and loved the Brewers, Packers and his J. Bavet.

Dad was a very gentle and kind man, and loved his family and had great faith.

He is survived by his wife – Elaine; daughter – Sandra (Ron) Kadlec; son – Dennis (Cindie) Klass; brother – George Klass; grandchildren – Shelley Kadlec (Michael Janssen), Jill (Willie) Wolfe, Dennis (Michelle) Klass, Tracy (Angie) Klass and Melissa (Jon) Dixon; great-grandchildren – Brandon (Ashley) Wolfe, Brady (Hilary) Wolfe, Alex Ekblad (Olivia Schneider), Annika Ekblad, Emily Klass, Paige Klass, Tye Klass, Megan Klass, Olivia Klass, Cody Klass, Ellie Dixon (Tyler Jones) and Carter Dixon; greatgreat- grandchildren – Aubree, Braiden, Bennett and Bowen Wolfe; sisters-in-law – Norma Zimmerman and Judy Jensen; and several nieces and nephews.

Rest in peace, Dad and Grandpa, you will be forever missed and never forgotten. We love you!

He was preceded in death by his parents – George and Margaret Klass; brother – Frank Klass; brothers-in-law – Earl Western, Bob Jensen, La Verne Jensen and Dave Zimmermann; sisters-in-law – Wilda Klass, Marian Western, Kathy Scidmore and Sue Jensen.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 30, at First Presbyterian Church in Cornell. Interment was in the Cornell Cemetery, following the service.

Visitation was held from 9 a.m., until the time of service, Monday morning, at the church.

Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the First Presbyterian Church, the Cornell Public Library or the Cornell Area Fire Department.