MOUNT PLEASANT – Mrs. Jeanette V. Klappauf, 91, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, July 5, 2021.

She was born at home in the Township of Gardner in Door County on October 7, 1929, the daughter of the late George and Vera (nee Vogel) Franda and grew up on their family farm.  On April 25, 1953, she married Leonard Klappauf.

As the oldest of five children in a farm family, Jeanette knew how to drive a team of horses, cook on a wood burning stove and milk cows by hand.  After high school and earning her teaching certificate, she taught in a one-room school house until she married Leonard. While raising their five children and teaching at the Racine Unified School District, she earned her B.S. in Education from Carthage College and her M.S. from UW Milwaukee. She dedicated her working career as an elementary school teacher, from the one-room grade school in Brown County until retiring with (Racine) Giese Elementary  in 1989.  She was a proud member of A.A.U.W., RAREA and WREA.

Jeanette was devoted to her family and loved being in the company of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She also enjoyed spending her time golfing and traveling with her husband. Jeanette was a woman of strong Catholic faith.  She prayed the Rosary daily and was longtime member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Anyone who knew her will remember her genuine kindness, sincerity and thoughtfulness.

In addition to her husband, Leonard, Jeanette is survived by her children, John (Debby) Klappauf of Racine, Craig (Maggie) Klappauf of Albuquerque, NM, Laurie Klappauf (John Hoornbeek) of Hudson, OH, Bruce Klappauf of Austin, TX and Ruth (Chris) Retzlaff of Ripon.  She is further survived by 12 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy Franda, Joanne Franda and Lou (Kitty) Neuville; as well as many dear nieces and nephews.   She was also preceded in death by her sisters and brothers, Delores (Bernard) Pierre, Theresa Neuville, Ray Franda and Robert Franda.

Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring Street) on Thursday, July 15, 2021, for a visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  The celebration of her life and funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Yamid Blanco officiating.  Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia.  Because she was a two-time breast cancer survivor, Jeanette wanted memorials to go to the Health Care Network (500 Wisconsin Ave, Racine, WI 53403) or a charity of one's choice.

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