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Alfred Kleist

1909 - 2006

 

Alfred A. Kleist, 96, of Watertown, entered his eternal home January 18, 2006.  He died at home after a brief illness.

 

A funeral service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown at 3 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. James Werner officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

 

Arrangements made by Hafemeister Funeral Home.

 

Alfred was born Oct. 2, 1909, in the town of Oconomowoc, the son of Karl Kleist and Clara Ratke. He married Elda Damrow on Sept. 5, 1948, in Watertown.  He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown.

 

After attending St. Paul's Lutheran School in Oconomowoc, Alfred began his work career, which spanned more than a dozen jobs, from cutting ice for refrigeration from Lac La Belle to guarding German prisoners of war at the Pabst Farms during World War II.  He spent more than 20 years as a truck driver for Hartland Sand and Gravel Company.  A kind and personable man, Alfred enjoyed travel, reading, his church and his family.

 

Survivors include Elda of Watertown; two sons, the Rev. Dennis (Kerri) of Appleton and Dean (Patricia) of Port Washington; 10 grandchildren; and one brother, Alvin Kleist of Oconomowoc. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles, and three sisters, Veronica, Minnie and Laura.

 

 

Elda D. Kleist

1918- 2018

 

 

Elda D. Kleist, 99, of Watertown, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, at Park Ridge in Watertown.

 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown with the Rev. James Backus officiating.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watertown.  Family and friends may gather at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Suggestions for memorials are St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Watertown or WELS Christian Aid and Relief.

 

Elda Dorthea Damrow was born on April 5, 1918, in Hustisford, the daughter of William and Emma (nee Grosenick) Damrow.

 

After graduating from Hustisford High School, Elda moved to Watertown and was one of the few women who took business courses at Northwestern College.  She then worked as a bookkeeper for Salick’s Jewelry in Watertown.

 

On Sept. 5, 1948, Elda married her husband Alfred, and they were blessed with 57 years of marriage.  Elda resided in their home on North Fourth Street for more than 75 years.

 

Elda was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and worked for over 20 years in the school lunch program there.  She will be fondly remembered for her molasses cookies, love of family and confident faith in her Savior.

 

She is survived by her sons, Dean (Patricia) Kleist of Port Washington and the Rev. Dennis (Kerri) Kleist of Appleton; 10 grandchildren, Jacquelynn (Scott) Griffiths, Brian (Sarah) Kleist, Sheila Kleist, Carrie Kleist, Kathryn (Dustin) Sievert, Angela (Peter) Gumm, Daniel Kleist, Matthew (Elise) Stuebs, Alyssa Stuebs, Jared (Shannon) Stuebs; eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; two sisters, Esther and Serena; a brother, Walter; and her daughter-in-law, Rhonda.

 

Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service 611 E. Main St. Watertown

 

 

 

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