Shirley E. Kleist, 97, a Town of Medford resident, died on Saturday, December 26 at Neillsville Care & Rehab, where she had resided for the past 3 weeks following a stroke.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, December 31 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford with Rev. Rodger Prois officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until time of services at 11 AM. Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required for the visitation and services. Interment will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II with grandchildren serving as pallbearers.
Shirley was born on September 5, 1923 in the Town of Browning, the daughter of Frank and Alma (Giese) Halopka. She attended Fairfield Grade School, Town of Browning and was a 1943 graduate of Medford High School. Her marriage took place on June 28, 1947 at Community Evangelical Reformed Church, Medford to Wellington “Shorty” H. Kleist and he preceded her in death on March 17, 1989.
After her education, she worked in Milwaukee for a period of time. After marriage she was active and co-owner of W.H. Kleist Trucking, Inc.. She also worked as a rural mail carrier. She did volunteer work at numerous organizations. She enjoyed fishing, dancing, crafts, gardening, animals, travel, knitting, crocheting, trips to the casino, the G.B. Packers, spending time with friends and family. She was a member of Community United Church of Christ, Medford and its Woman’s Guild, Medford VFW Auxiliary, Taylor Co. Humane Society, Taylor Co. Historical Society, Chelsea Conservation Club, Chequamegon Bird Club and the Happy Americans Club.
Surviving are her children, Cindy (Ed) Pernsteiner of Medford, Vicki (Jim) Lundeen of St. Cloud, MN, Sally Sadowska of Granton & Jay (Ginger) Kleist of Medford; grandchildren, Christopher, Chad and Clinton Pernsteiner, Sean and Andrea Lundeen, Erick and Tim Sadowska, Kelly Jochimsen & Jake Kleist; 15 great-grandchildren and a sister, Ann Gebauer of Rib Lake. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings, Alma Fiebke, Lydia, Frank, Harry, Earl, Ray and Gene Halopka.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial
contributions be given in her name to the Taylor County Humane Shelter. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake
is serving the family. For online
condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
