Mary Lou Klenke

Mary Lou Klenke, 91, of Coldwater, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at her home.

She was born on June 18, 1930, in Sharpsburg, Ohio, to the late August and Elinor (Laux) Sutter.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Klenke; her in-laws, Bill (Frances) Klenke, Mildred Knapke, Delores (Marvin) Muhlenkamp, Mary Lou (Harold) Ranly, Robert Klenke, Don (Lillie) Klenke, Ivo Klenke, Paul Tobe, and Daniel Goettemoeller.

Mary Lou was the valedictorian for the Fort Recovery High School, Class of 1948. She spent many years as the bookkeeper for their family business, Klenke Trash Service. Mary Lou was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, and was a part of the Altar Rosary Sodality and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Mary Lou was a selfless person. She had a heart of gold and enjoyed helping others. In fact, Mary Lou had donated almost 20 gallons of blood throughout her life. Mary Lou spent her life caring for her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. When she was not taking care of her family, Mary Lou could be found outside tending to her garden. She looked forward to canning and cooking with the produce she raised each year.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 71 years, Elmer Klenke, whom she married on November 23, 1950; her children, Janet (Gary) Brockman of Coldwater, James (Patty) Klenke of Coldwater, Jack (Nancy) Klenke of New Bremen, Ohio, and Julie (Mike) DiCesare of Fremont, Ohio; her 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; her brother, Dale (Annette) Sutter of Coldwater; and her in-laws, Esther Goettemoeller of Maria Stein, Ohio, Anna Tobe of Coldwater, Pat (Joe) Brockman of Portland, Indiana, June Klenke, Cincinnati, Ohio, Ginnie Klenke of Lima, Ohio, Joan Ranly of Fort Recovery, Ohio, and Urban Knapke of Maria Stein.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Anthony, with Father Andrew Reckers officiating. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery.

Guests may visit with Mary Lou's family on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again on Thursday from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM, at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home in Fort Recovery.

Memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.