Memories of Joel Helmut Klausch

In memory of

Joel Helmut Klausch

Racine, WI, USA

March 5, 1960 - December 4, 2019

Mar 5, 1960 - Dec 4, 2019

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Laura Ahmad

I met with Joel and Peggy at Petrifying Springs Park. We had a wonderful conversation. We said goodbye and have a great day. He swooped her up in his arms and carried her away. So romantic and loving and caring.

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Mitch Johnson

2006, Racine, WI, USA

Most of my interactions with Joel were through my dad answering the door to him when Ryan would sleep over -- pretty much every weekend. We would eat pizza, play video games, and engage in general stupidity on a weekly basis. I remember Joel once saying something to the tune of, "Might as well leave the sleeping bag here since we'll be back next weekend." I am grateful to Joel and Peggy for the hangouts with Ryan and our friendship through the years. Plus, "Wisconsin Dad" meet ups on the doorstep are always great. They probably talked about the Packers and cooking brats. Much love to the whole Klausch Family. Thinking of you.

-Mitch

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Ryan Klausch

2019, Racine, WI, USA

Donation Notice from National Park Foundation

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Please consider giving to a fundraiser for National Park Foundation.

$2,800.00

Raised by 53 people

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Jerrold Lloyd

Our hearts are heavy but we know Peggy and sons are loved by their families and we will support and be there for them. Joel will be missed.
with Love,
Jerry & Renee Lloyd

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Ryan Klausch

2012, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Joel celebrating at the summit of Mt. Oberlin. Dad and I had to convince Mom to hop over a very short, but life-threatening gap in the rocks. We knew she would never forgive herself if she didn't make it up there with us, so naturally we poked at her until she had the guts to do it.

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Rick Vernezze

Laura Ahmad

Olivia Fiori

Ryan Klausch

Beth Weller

Rick Vernezze

2019, My house

Hey Joel because of you I got to share another great memory with your son. He is most certainly a chip off the old block.

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Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

2019, Racine, WI, USA

Last year, I got to celebrate my birthday with the Klausch family. It was so special. Peggy made her specialty (and my favorite!) a fruit tarte. When Joel went to light the candle, for some reason the candle wouldn’t light. At first we thought we had a “bad” candle, but after almost a minute of Joel trying to light the candle Ryan said, “Dad, the lighter isn’t even touching the candle.” After some investigating, and photographic evidence (zoom in to see), we realized Ryan was right. Laughter and lots of smiles of course then ensued. Good times 💕

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Ryan Klausch

Kare Vernezze

2009, Boathouse

So many good times together.

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Olivia Fiori

Ryan Klausch

Rick Vernezze

Joel it has now been 5 days of life, without you here. There is this lingering empty feeling inside me that time may heal, but never seal. Every morning when I wake up the memories of you stir up in my heart. Like listening to music in your basement while staring at the light show. Driving all over town in your beautiful Old’s 98. Hustling up the Hancock where you beat me to the top. Water skiing on powers lake where you tried to teach me how to slalom ski. Sleeping overnight at your house and tasting your moms German cooking. Remembering your mom following us in her car while we waved to her from the school bus. Going to the Viena house to place foo’s ball. I remember meeting Peggy for the very first time and seeing a glow in your eye that I had never seen before. I remember you carrying in the wooden chair that you made for my wife Kare as a birthday gift. She was so happy you did that for her.

You were a very special unique man that I am thankful to have gotten to know. I got to meet your son Ryan last night and saw so much of you and Peggy in him. He is such a gentleman! We talked for hours and I promise you Joel if you were sitting in the room with us you would not have been embarrassed. He is like you in so many ways. I saw him yesterday telling me a story and he had his finger curling his hair. I remember teasing you about that, lol. Like you He thinks clearly before he speaks and is very intelligent. Getting to know him has made it a little easier to cope with this pain. Because I know a part of you is still here.

I love you Joel and I will never forget you. Thank you so much for being my friend and giving me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Love
Rick

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Laura Ahmad

Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Laura Ahmad

2019, Lake Tahoe, United States

Beautiful picture of Peggy and Joel at Emersld Bay at Lake Tahoe, Ca. Not 1 but 2 with nature 🏕♥️🏔. I’m so happy to have spent these few spring days with thrm. I will miss you dearly, Joel. Rest in peace 🙏♥️ 🏔.

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Olivia Fiori

Kare Vernezze

Rick Vernezze

Ryan Klausch

Comments:

Olivia Fiori

This is one of my most favorite pictures of Peggy and Joel 💕 This is one of my most favorite pictures of Peggy and Joel 💕 This is one of my most favorite pictures of Peggy and... Read more

Tina Sacket

Long time friends

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Olivia Fiori

Kare Vernezze

Rick Vernezze

Ryan Klausch

Tina Sacket

Lakefront Brewery

Good Friends and Good Times

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Olivia Fiori

Kare Vernezze

Rick Vernezze

Ryan Klausch

Cody Klausch

This is not the most flattering picture of me, but it makes me smile and shows my dad doing what he did best. Being handy and helping out. I'm sure for the rest of my life whenever I am fixing something around the house my first thought will still be to call my dad. There are so many projects we planned to work on that we never had the chance to start, but I am thankful for all the help, knowlege, and experience he was able to pass on in the time we had.

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Tina Sacket

Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Kare Vernezze

Rick Vernezze

Beth Weller

Kare Vernezze

2009

Grade school buddies

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Rick Vernezze

Tina Sacket

Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Kare Vernezze

Rick Vernezze

Peggy Klausch

1981, Porcupine Mountains, Carp Lake Township, MI, USA

This is the story about the time Joel and I were dating and we went to Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. We were supposed to be going on a 4-mile hike. Joel thought it was loop, but I thought different. Instead of turning back we ended up walking 7 miles in without water. We ran into some other hikers, and they told us we had to go back to we where came from. We decided to walk off-trail to find the nearest park road and walk that back. On the way there, we found ourselves in front of a large mud hole. I walked around it. Naturally, Joel decided to go right through. He stunk and attracted an unimaginable amount of flies. Once we got to the road, an older couple picked us up, but they had to open up the sunroof to chase the flies out. We got back to our cabin, Joel took a nap, and I made a chicken dinner.

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Kathy Bretl

Olivia Fiori

Kare Vernezze

Rick Vernezze

Lynn Fiori

Tina Sacket

Ryan Klausch

Beth Weller

Comments:

Kathy Bretl

What a cute story. I am so sorry for your loss Peggy. Please know my prayers are with you and if there ... Read more What a cute story. I am so sorry for your loss Peggy. Please know my prayers are with you and if there is anything I can do ... Read more What a cute story. I am so sorry for your loss Peggy.... Read more

Rick Vernezze

LOL! That was an awesome story Peggy. Thanks for sharing. LOL! That was an awesome story Peggy. Thanks for sharing. LOL! That was an awesome story Peggy. Thanks for sharing.... Read more

Elvira Orth

When Joel was three years old he went missing. His sisters and brothers were in school. Mother frantic, looking for him everywhere. Finally blocks away she saw a little red haired boy carrying a pumpkin on his shoulder that he had “found” in front of Tenuta’s grocery store on 52nd St. Needless to say He had to return it.
Joel was the only one of us siblings with a middle name. Born With the name Helmut, my parents realized it wasn’t maybe the best name for a little American boy. Oma wanted to change his name to Robert but Mom didn’t want him to be called “Bob”. Angie and I were memorizing the books of the Old Testament at the time and we liked the name Joel. Parents approved and Joel Helmut it became.
Joel was a very special person, a wonderful husband and loving and devoted father. Talented in many ways, like his father. The world was a better place for him being in it. We will as a family go on, but things will never be the same. We love you forever little brother, till we meet again. Your sister, Ellie

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Rick Vernezze

Lynn Fiori

Tina Sacket

Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Peggy Klausch

Beth Weller

Ryan Klausch

2017, Racine, WI, USA

Joel and Peggy dancing at Cody and Courtney's wedding

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Olivia Fiori

Rick Vernezze

Elvira Orth

Kathy Bretl

Kare Vernezze

Tina Sacket

Ryan Klausch

Beth Weller

Comments:

Peggy Klausch

We were so happy !! I was amazed that the photographer was able to capture that quick kiss 😚 We were so happy !! I was amazed that the photographer was able to capture that quick kiss 😚 We were so happy !! I was amazed that the photographer... Read more

Lynn Fiori

Please accept our deepest condolences. Sending all of our love your way. May peace be with you.
Lou and Lynn Fiori

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Elvira Orth

Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Peggy Klausch

Kare Vernezze

Always enjoyed being together

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Elvira Orth

Rick Vernezze

Tina Sacket

Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Peggy Klausch

Rick Vernezze

2017

With my best friend, Joel

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Elvira Orth

Tina Sacket

Ryan Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Kare Vernezze

Peggy Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Sending so much love to all of you. I can’t think of a better way to honor Joel than donating to the Nation Park Foundation in his name. Joel brought so much warmth and joy to everyone. May we continue to carry on his essence by making our loved ones feel as good as he made his loved ones feel. I will miss him so much. I’m here for all of you, anytime, any day.

All my love,

Olivia

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Elvira Orth

Ryan Klausch

Peggy Klausch

Olivia Fiori

Shared a heart

Elvira Orth

Ryan Klausch

Vivian Ariza

Klausch Family, please accept our sincerest condolences for your loss, our hearts ache with you. May you find peace as you grieve.

All our love,
The Ariza Family
Carlos, Vivian, Andrea, and Mateo

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