Obituary of Gerald Klevene

Gerald Louis Klevene, 80, Wisconsin Rapids, died Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at his home. Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 12th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa. Rev. Carl Kummer and Rev. Doug Schauer will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Visitation will be from 4P.M. to 8P.M. on Sunday, August 11th at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at the church. Gerald (Fuzzy) was born August 29, 1932 at Riverview Hospital, the son of Roland W. and Marie M. (Zeaman) Klevene. He was the youngest of six children. Gerald was united in marriage to Darleen J. DeWitt on August 20, 1960. Gerald attended St. Paul?s Lutheran School and graduated from Lincoln High School. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 as a First Class Yeoman. He was employed by Nekoosa Edwards Paper Co. before entering the Navy and continued his employment there after his service, retiring in August, 1987. In March, 1988 he had four heart by-pass surgeries and through the years he also had four heart stints implanted. However, it never slowed him down as he remained very active. Along with his employment at the paper mill he and Darleen owned and operated Pine Grove Motel and Restaurant in Plainfield from February, 1977 until they sold it in September, 1997. Gerald and his wife also practiced foster care for developmentally challenged adults. They also loved to travel, visiting all but four of the 50 states. Survivors include two daughters: Rebecca, Wisconsin Rapids; and Gaynal (Dan) Hofmeister, Nekoosa; three grandchildren: Abigail, Andrew, and Amelia Hofmeister, Nekoosa; one sister Shirley Boreen, Port Edwards; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Ardean Clark and Beverly Denny and two brothers, Roland Jr. and Marvin (Mike) Klevene.