Service Details
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.
Memorial Suggestions
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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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.
Lynne Marcussen says
Condolences to Jeanette’s family.. Sorry to here the news. Hadn’t heard from Jeanette in awhile. She always was so concerning about my family in Door County. Will miss our emails.
Bob and Geri Strifling says
What a woman! What a great life! Condolences to Leonard and family.
Sheila R Blada says
Lenny and family,
Sincere condolences , Jeannette was memorable.
Maury and Sheila Blada
Dan & Denise Pierre says
Our heartfelt condolences to the Klappauf family. Aunt Jeanette certainly had a life well lived…and us Dolores and Bernie Pierre kids have loads of memories going back to the many visits to Dyckesville and Racine. Praying for the Peace of our Lord upon Uncle Len and the entire Klappauf family..
Dan & Dan Pierre
Donald and Clara Pappenfuss says
Such a sweet Lady,indeed our deepest Sympathy to Jeanette’s Family!!! Haven’t lived in Racine, since my Husband retired!!! I was Jeanette’s Hairdresser for years in the Late 70s-80s!!! My husband and I also were members of Racine Curling Club, with Leonard and Jeanette!!! RIP, Sweet Jeanette🙏🏻❤️
Donald & Clara Pappenfuss says
Our Deepest Sympathy to Jeanette’s family!!! I was her Hairdresser in the Late 70s-80s!!! RIP Sweet Jeanette!!!
JoAn Kolpek, President JPWG says
The ladies of Johnson Park 9-hole Thursday golf league fondly remember and will miss Jeanette.
A great lady, member and golfer.
Sue Geiss says
Sincere sympathies to the Klappauf family. I golfed with Jeanette in the Ives Grove Tuesday ladies and the Thursday morning Johnson Park ladies league for many years. She always had stories of her children and grandchildren that she would share with pride and love. She will be missed.
LeAnn Porter says
Mrs. Klappauf taught our family at Giese. She was a wonderful teacher. Later, my husband and I played bridge with her and Leonard. She was a sweet lady. My sympathy to Leonard and family and May She Rest In Peace. God Bless her.
Sheila Malec says
My sincerest condolences to the family. She was one of my teachers at Giese in the early 1970s. I do not remember specific examples, but do recall her being a very positive influence for me as a young girl. I remember her to be kind and helpful.
Pat Holt says
Sincere sympathy on he passing of Jeanette. She was a nice lady who I knew from AAUW and Johnson Park/ Ives Grove golf leagues
Nancy (Heinkel) Thomsen says
Sincere condolences from the Heinkel family. I remember my Mom talking fondly of Jeanette years ago.
Dennis and Margaret(Braun)Haag says
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to the Klappauf family. Jeanette was a very gracious women, always interested in talking with you, and always a smile on her face. We were privileged to know her.
Gerry & Gary Lipor says
Jeanette was a dear neighbor of mine and a wonderful person. It was a pleasure to know her. Our condolences and prayers.
May she RIP.
Patricia Fellner and Ken Rosenow says
I will definitely miss Jeanette, she was my genealogy buddy. We went to many meetings at the Burlington Genealogical Society. She and Leonard lived at the same apartment building at Fountain Hills as me and my boyfriend. She also knew people I knew from Door County such as Hank and Janie Vogel. She was a wealth of information and I would sometimes find her sitting in the library of Fountain Hills reading a book. RIP Jeanette!!
Patricia Fellner