Klaus Zielke Sr.

It is with tears of sadness and joy that we share the homegoing of Klaus Zielke Sr., 85, of St. Joseph. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, while at his last job site in Benton Harbor, the Lord welcomed Klaus home to heaven. It was his desire to be able to work until the end!

A celebration of life service will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at First Baptist Church, 902 Broad St., St. Joseph, with Pastor Marlo Fritzke officiating. Prior to the service, friends may visit with the family at 3 p.m.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Klaus online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Klaus was born on Nov. 3, 1937, in Neugolz, Germany to Fred and Emma Zielke. As a young boy, it became his desire to be a mason builder. After grade school, he entered the trade school. At the age of 16, he came by boat to America to begin a new life in Plymouth, Mich.

Klaus was very proud to become an American citizen. While attending a Youth for Christ meeting in Detroit, Klaus made the most important decision of his life. He asked Jesus Christ to be His Lord and Savior! "For whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13.

In Plymouth, Klaus was employed by Burger Masonry. Klaus met the love of his life, Susann Ruehr, on a double-blind date with friends. On Jan. 17, 1959, they were married and recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. In 1961, Klaus and Susann moved their family to St. Joseph. God blessed them with six children, who knew him as Papa, the one who would love, care, pray, and help out with their needs.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was Opa, who enjoyed being with his family by singing, playing guitar and other instruments, camping, hunting and fishing. On the job sites, he was known as Klaus or Senior, a hard worker, mentor and friend. And to many friends and neighbors, Klaus was always there to lend a helping hand.

Klaus was to all a witness that Jesus Christ is Lord. Because Klaus loved the Lord with all his heart, soul mind, and strength, it showed in everything he did. He faithfully served at church in many positions. His heart was especially focused in children's ministries, desiring to see them come into a relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior. He used his skills as a mason in missions work in Mexico, Brazil, in the U.P. at Lake Ellen Camp, and at Oakridge Community Church.

Klaus is survived by his wife of 64 years of marriage, Susann Zielke; children: Erika (the Rev. Marlo) Fritzke, Klaus (Julie) Zielke Jr., Heidi (Jon) Bergman, Carla (Erich) Blematl, Greta Cunnington and Rachel (Ryan) Meachum; 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and brothers: Siegfried Zielke and Dieter (Adina) Zielke.

Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! Klaus was reunited in heaven with his parents, and grandson, Paul Bergman; brother, Karl Heinz Zielke, and sister, Crystal Zielke; sisters-in-law: Olga Zielke and Lilli Zielke.

Thank you for all the love you showed to us. We love you and will greatly miss you, but look forward to that day when we see you again in heaven!