Jeffrey Klenke

Jeffrey Klenke NIAGARA, Wis. - Jeffrey J. Klenke, 68, of Niagara, died Sunday, April 18, 2004, at his home. He was born Nov. 13, 1935, in Neenah, Wis., the son of the late George and Marion (Miller) Klenke. Jeff graduated from Menasha High School in 1953. He then graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. In 1960, he went on to receive his master's degree from Vandercook Institute of Music in Chicago in 1968. Jeff married Karen Koehler on Aug. 17, 1964, in Brandon, Wis. He served in the U.S. Navy for three years. Jeff was the band director for many years at Niagara High School, a full time substance abuse counselor and he and his wife owned and operated the Niagara Journal for 17 years. Jeff was a member of the Niagara Board of Education, a church board member for many years at Riverside United Methodist Church and served on a variety of many other local community organizations. He had a love for music and planting trees. Jeff brought whoever he touched to be their best. His determination and encouragement helped everyone to challenge themselves and to be all they could be. Jeff is survived by his wife, Karen; two daughters, Jill (Rick) Smith of Appleton, Wis. and Jennifer (Bryan) Rietveld of Kingsford; a brother, Karl (Patsy) Klenke of New London, Wis.; four grandchildren, Crystal and Ryan Smith, Monica and Joseph Rietveld; and nieces, Kris (Rob) Bresnahan, Karl (Gina) Klenke, and Kari Klenke. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara. Funeral services will be at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Fr. John Hephner will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Pastor Pat Nolet from Riverside United Methodist Church will share in the eulogy. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Community Substance Abuse Program, WNMU Public Radio, or the Wisconsin Regional Public Library for the Blind. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Jeffrey J. Klenke online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.