Racine – Gertrude M. Klinkhammer,Age 87, passed away at the Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Saturday, December 11, 2010. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 8, 1923, daughter of the late John and Theresa Wield. Gertrude was married in Chicago at St. Theresa Catholic Church to Alfred J. Klinkhammer on February 7, 1944. The majority of her life after marriage, she resided in Racine.
Gertrude was a loving wife and mother and took great joy in caring for her home and family. She and her husband served as caretakers of the Windpoint Lighthouse for nearly 20 years. Gertrude enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to Hawaii, Europe, and Texas. As a young woman she was employed working during World War II as a “Rosie the Riveter”, while her husband served in the Navy. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Gertrude will be remembered as a gentle loving mother by her children.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Bilky of Ellenton, Florida, Linda and Ronald Beguhn, Jr. of Kenosha, Debbie and Tim Riopelle of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Jon (Stacey Petersen) Henningfeld of Kenosha, Stephanie (Scott) Warner of Racine, Karen (Nigel) Crowe of Palmetto, Florida, Janice Wierschke (Jeff) of Sheboygan Falls, Donna Wilson(Tim) of Cedar, Michigan, Paul Bilky of Pembine, Ed Bilky, Jr. of Yuma, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Kerri Warner, Danny Henningfeld, Ayden Crowe, many step Grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce (Paul) Emmons, Tom (Arlene) Klinkhammer, Flo Klinkhammer, Betty (Stan) Wielgat all of Racine; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; her daughter, Janice; sisters, Helen, Anna , June, Theresa , and Bertha, and her brother, Sonny Wield; brother-in-law, Norb Klinkhammer; and sons-in-law, Ed Bilky, and Richard Henningfeld.
The funeral mass for Gertrude, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Rev. William Dietzler officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m., and Wednesday in the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Memorials to Lincoln Lutheran Convalescent Center have been suggested.
The family would like to offer their appreciation to the Staff of Lincoln Village, as well as Seasons Hospice for the special care they showed for their mother.
Margaret R. Winningham-Foster says
Having met her a few times when she visited Texas she impressed me as a fun loving person. She was very sweet and friendly to everyone she met. My deepest sympathy to Debbie and the rest of the family
Carole Machol says
Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You and your sisters are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such great memories of Gert when she visited Houston. (Happy Hour(s), Brunch. You have an Angel watching above you. Please take comfort in knowing your mom is no longer suffering.
Peggy Machol-Bassett says
Debbie, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty Diehl says
Dear Debbie, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mom. You were there for our family when Mom and Dad passed away. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. God bless all of you.
Mary Lou Skelton says
Debbie and family. I am sorry for your loss – so glad that you could spend time with your Mom in the end. You and Tim were so kind to me when my Dad passed away – I want to thank you and say what a wonderful daughter your Mom raised – You make her proud – love – Mary Lou
JoAnn Shire says
Dear Debbie and Tim and Family, My prayers have been and are with you now. I know how difficult this has been, having to say goodbye to your Mother. Know that she lives on in each of you. Fondly, Carole's sister – JoAnn
Pat Harris says
Debbie, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother. You and your family are in my prayers.
Dahlia and Gus Sanchez says
I really enjoyed visiting with your Mom whenever she visited in Houston. I always remember her loving the dogs to death. She even had that little Dixie spoiled rotten. Debbie, we were both very luck to have had such wonderful Moms and I am sure that they are in Heaven, meeting right now. Take care and please call me whenever you get a chance, just to visit.
dawn says
dear debbie, it is a blessing you were there for her in her last days. I know that meant so very much to her. She is in a place of peace now Your family are in my prayers dawn
Ann Lemm Haigh says
Debbie,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Ann