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Mary Poker Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Poker
Louise Wisinski
March 28, 2021
Wow..12 years ago; seems like yesterday. Still loving you (and Mark) Louise Ann
Sarah Moore
November 23, 2009
I was a classmate of Mary's at St. Ignatius and have just learned of her passing. Mary and I giggled often throughout those high school years and I will always remember her for her radiant smile, easy laugh, and friendly disposition. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.
Stacy
May 15, 2009
I was a classmate of Mary's at St. Ignatius and am so sorry to hear of her passing. I will pray for the comfort of your family during this difficult time.
May God Bless You,
Stacy (Johnson) Class of '85
Vicky & Steve Kontowicz
May 3, 2009
God grant us the
serenity to accept the
things we cannot change.
The courage to change
the things we can.
And the wisdom to
know the difference.
Forever in all our hearts.
Melissa Dolan
April 30, 2009
It is with Love and Respect that I write this of the Mary Catherine, that I once knew and instantly became fond of at the Goddard School.
Mary Catherine lived for her boys. I know this because I was Michael's two yr old teacher at Goddard. I saw and talked to Mary Catherine everyday and every night as she would pick up Michael.
I first met her when she was pregnant with Matthew and working. She was always on the go and happy. I looked forward to seeing her everyday as she was an inspiration !!
I remember one particular day that Michael fell ill, he had a terrible ear infection with fluid coming out of his ear. I called Mary Catherine immediately on her cell, she was in a meeting and she said, "I will be right there" . And she was. Within minutes she was at my classroom door ready to take Michael to the doctors office.
I remember it like it was yesterday, nap time had just started and Michael was as calm and cool as a cucumber as he knew his mother was on her the way.
She thanked me for the call and reminded me to never hesitate to call her. She whisked him off to the doctors office.
Mary Catherine was to me an inspiration, she did it all. Someone to look up to. She was accomplished and intelligent. Professional and so very easy to talk to.
She was consistent. Every day Michael would have a sandwich in his lunch bag, Mary Catherine took the time to cookie cut her son's sandwich. Most days it would be a in a shape of a heart, other days it would be in a star.
I was immediately shocked to hear of her death. I haven't stopped praying for her and everyone that knew and loved her. My prayers are with all those who knew her and loved her.
It is my firm belief that she is with all the angels and the choirs of heaven for she herself was just heavenly to know and be in the company with her on earth.
May the angels who carried her home come now and comfort all those who grieve her.
OH Lord KUMBAYA
Shalom
My deepest sympathies to all.
In Christ's Grip,
Melissa (Buzdum) Dolan
aka Miss Melissa of the Turtle Room
Jo, Bill, Erica & Family Reidy
April 20, 2009
Dearest Peggy, Tom, Mark and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during such a difficult time. May God bless you and your families and may he keep the great memories of Mary Catherine with you always.
God bless all of you
Jo, Bill, Erica, & family
Barbara and Paul Davidson
April 20, 2009
Dear Peggy, Tom, and Family,
We are so sorry to learn of the death of Mary Catherine. Our heartfelt prayers are sent with love.
Robert Baranowski
April 16, 2009
I remember many trips to Chicago to spend the holidays with my cousin and the rest of the Kloempken family...
Ruchir and Amita Agrawal
April 15, 2009
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Mike Baranowski
April 15, 2009
With life comes much joy and much pain...many answered and many unanswered questions. What we know is God sees all and understands all. He gave us Mary Catherine and for that we can be thankful because we all have so many wonderful and cherished memories. Most important, I am thankful for the fact that we can all rest in peace as she is in the hands of a loving and forgiving God. I pray God's peace and comfort in your life now and always.
Renee and Chris Cline
April 14, 2009
Dear Mark,
Chris and I are so very sorry to hear about your loss of Mary Catherine. From the first time we met when you and Chris were just "newbies" I felt like she was an old friend. Her outlook on life was always so joyful and she had a special gift of making each person feel so important and appreciated. We will both treasure the visits we had with you both, and I will never forget her. Our prayers are with you and your boys.
Melinda Kirsner Sherman
April 12, 2009
Dear Mark and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Mary Catherine. We shared so many special times together, she will live in my heart and my memories forever. With deepest sympathies,
April 12, 2009
Dear Peggy, Tom and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your darling Mary Catherine. You are in our prayers each day.
Dennis and Camille Vena
Kelly Craig Connolly
April 10, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kloempken and Family,
Words cannot describe how sorry I am about your loss of Mary Catherine. She was always such a nice girl. What a terrible loss for you all. You are all in my prayers at this difficult time.
Tracy Yale
April 10, 2009
Dear Tom, Peg and Family,
Bob an I are so very sorry for your loss of Mary Catherine. So many times we have enjoyed your warmth and hospitality and saw first hand, in your home, your consideration and sometimes astonishing generosity to others.
We have seen the closeness and happiness of your family as we watched each Christmas Card get more smiles and each newsletter get more paragraphs.
We are now searching for the right words for this condolence but cannot find them, there are no words.
We love you and are praying for the grace of The Holy Spirit to descend on you and all of your loved ones at this difficult time.
Tracy and Bob Yale
Melissa Fosse-Dunne
April 9, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that my whole family is keeping all of you in our prayers & thoughts.
Maria and Andy Patterson
April 9, 2009
Dear Mark and Family,
Mary Catherine was one of a kind. She was our realtor years ago and she made such an impression on me. I have kids the same ages as your boys and she truly had it all together. Her boys were the light of her life and she loved and excelled at her work. I ran into her just last month with her ever present smile and kind, generous words... I can't believe she is gone. May her memory be eternal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
Kristin Lahey Kotynski
April 9, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kloempken,
I am so very sorry to learn of your daughter's passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Shirley Compall
April 9, 2009
Dear Tom and Peggy,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss of Mary Catherine. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.
John and Shirley Compall
Andy Poker
April 9, 2009
I've been trying to think of what to say - I wanted to be sure to leave something in the record. I've struggled with making sense of MC's passing. I found myself repeating a passage from The Prophet for much of the weekend to reflect on everything - "Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would seem no less wondrous than your joy; And you would accept the seasons of your heart. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore, trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility." Saying goodbye, for me anyway, has been a process of coming to a place of empathy with Mary Catherine.
Mary Catherine (who didn't like to be called Aunt MC because it made her feel old) was tremendously full of life. The internal fire that pushed her to care so much is unique and special. That's what I'll remember most about her. She cared that the Christmas gift she picked out was what you really wanted. She was appreciative of anything you had to offer. That's also what I reflect on when I consider how to respect her memory - by living out that part of her. It was so many little things.
I managed to go to the wrong building for the visitation. While that was frustrating, Mark saw the parallel, as I'm sure MC would have, with all of the things I've left at their house over the years that they have had to ship back to me - and of accidentally leaving my car at the Mall of America one night after work. She got a kick out of those stories and it provided a good laugh every time we were "back home" in Wisconsin.
Perhaps getting my signals crossed was itself guided by her hand, as I found myself reading The Prophet in the library across the street from St. John-Vianney while I was waiting; I pulled it from the shelf as it had been on my mind all weekend. In that time, I took away a new passage that resonated with my memories of Mary Catherine. "You have been told that, even like a chain, you are as weak as your weakest link, but this is only half true. You are also as strong as your strongest link. To judge you by your failures is to cast blame upon the seasons for their inconstancy. And though in your winter you deny your spring, yet spring, reposing within you, smiles in her drowsiness and is not offended." I imagine Mary Catherine looking down on us having found her spring, smiling, able to relax, and at peace. I'll miss her very much.
Lee Bergelin
April 8, 2009
Words cannot describe the sadness I feel at the loss of Mary Catherine from our midst. As a closing agent for Shorewest, she always made you feel like the most important person handling her transaction, and always included me with he kind words and gifts. She will be deeply missed.My prayers are with you and your family Mark through this difficult time.
Arthur & Pauline Tarvardian
April 8, 2009
Dear Peggy, Tom and family,
We learned with sadness of the passing of your beloved daughter, Mary Catherine, and wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to all of you. We know how devoted you were to your daughter, Peggy and Tom, and we feel your loss is so great. May the memories-all beautiful-of the years you shared be your comfort now. John, Paul, and Madeleine join us in sending our deepest sympathy.
Elwood & Peggy Kleaver
April 8, 2009
Dear Mark,
It has been been 6 years since we moved from Berkshire Hills, but we have never forgotten Mary Catherine who was the best realtor that we ever had and also a wonderful neighbor. We were very saddned to hear about her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy,
Tim and Laura Crisp
April 8, 2009
Mark,
My condolences on your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carrie Indestad
April 8, 2009
Mark and Family,
Our sons, Jacob and Connor, attended The Goddard School with Michael and Matthew. Mary Catherine was so nice to chat with at pick-up time. She was friendly, warm, and generous. We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
Greg, Carrie, Jacob, and Connor Indestad
Kristin Prange
April 7, 2009
Dear Mark,
I have never met you but I knew Mary Catherine as we became seasoned agents together over the past years. I will always rembember her soft gentle voice on the phone and in her messages...Kristin...this is Mary Catherine...I would give anything to have one more conversation with her. I would give anything to be the one to ask her to have coffee or lunch and just "check in" with her. She was always the one taking care of others. I must tell you that you touched my heart with your words during her service...so strong and dedicated to finishing the race that she started. Her memorial card will remain at my desk as a reminder that every race has moments where you need to take care of yourself in order to finish. You and your boys and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers and I pray that you feel the comfort of our Lord at this time. With deepest sympathy, Kristin Prange
Jane Stromwall
April 7, 2009
Mark,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Elizabeth Saigh DeMattia
April 7, 2009
Mr.& Mrs. Kloempken -
We are so very sorry to hear about Mary Catherine. May her bright smile along with wonderful memories help you through this very difficult time. Our heart and continual prayers go out to both the Poker and Kloempken families. You have an amazing angel watching over all of you!
Amanda, Mike, Will & Victoria Layden
April 7, 2009
Mary Catherine was truly one of a kind. We were happy to have her in our family and so enjoyed her as a friend. Having had children around the same time, I was thrilled to have thrown a baby shower for her and meet her lovely family. She was kind of enough to return the favor for me a few months later. Our favorite memory of Mary Catherine was when we were getting ready to list our home and relocate to Connecticut. One evening we saw someone in our front yard late at night. Sure enough it was a very pregnant Mary Catherine hammering the Shorewest sign in our icy yard at 10:00 p.m. in the begininng of January! She was dedicated to her family and job and was one of the most concientous people I've ever know. We will miss her greatly.
Mary Lorenz Donohue
April 7, 2009
To Mary Catherine's family;
Mary Catherine was someone I looked up to growing up in Sauganash (Chicago). We were classmates at QAS. She was always friendly and caring to everyone. A real role model.
I am saddened for her family and friends who loved her. I will miss her sweet smile and her always friendly hello.
I hope you find comfort in the memories that you have and treasure the short time that you shared with her on earth.
Many prayers and deepest sympathy to you. She will surely be an angel looking down upon and watching over us.
Jim Young
April 7, 2009
Dear Mark and Family, I know that this has been said a million times, but Mary Catherine was such a special friend to me. I loved working with her, talking to her, and laughing with her. She was such a joy to be around. Her little gifts of popcorn, baked goods,and chocolate, were so unnecessary; because she was the gift. Her generous spirit infused every encounter with joy. I will truly miss her. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for your family, especially your boys and you, that God may give you the courage and strength you need to persevere. Blessings in this time of sadness. When the Easter Candle is lit this vigil, I will think of and pray for Mary Catherine and you. God be with you. Jim Young, Shorewest Realtors
Mike Stummer
April 6, 2009
Dear Kloempken's, Mark and boys,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Mary Catherine was such a special person. She was such a genuine, smart,and loving person. She always brightened your day. I know she touched so many lives. I remember fondly of our school days together at QAS, Algebra with Mrs. Z and being friends and neighbors for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim, Pat, Jim, Mike, Tricia and Matt Haughey
April 6, 2009
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
Betty Cairo
April 6, 2009
Peggy and Family
Our deepest sympathies to you and to Mary Catherine's family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this very difficult time. We will remember you all in all of our prayers.
The Joseph P. Cairo Family
Joe, Betty, Regina, Elizabeth and Carolyn
Matt & Susan Jeide
April 6, 2009
Mark, Mary Catherine was such an inspiration. She will always have a speacial place in my heart. May her love and spirit shine on through your beautiful boys. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Bob & Michele Mercier
April 6, 2009
Dear Mr. Poker and Mary Catherine's family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Mary Catherine, and I am filled with sorrow to hear of her passing. She was a vibrant, happy, and optimistic person and I was proud to be an associate of hers. Mary Catherine was well known by many people and she was very well respected in the real estate business. My wife and I send you our deepest sympathy for your loss. We pray that Mary Catherine is with God in heaven. God Bless you.
DeAnka Anderson
April 6, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cathy Garvey
April 6, 2009
Amy,
I haven't seen you in years since our marathon training, but I read the tragic news about your sister today. I am so sorry for your loss, and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Cathy
April 6, 2009
Mark & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mary Catherine's passing. We have been out of town and was not able to attend her service. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Patti Kruswicki
David Betanski
April 6, 2009
Dear Mark,
Mary Catherine and I were co-workers with our work spaces adjoining one anothers. She was raising her baby sons as I was adjusting to being a new grandfather. We laughed, shared pictures and gave one another our latest new found hints of raising children. I learned so many things about real estate professionalism from her, but mostly I learned how to experience the joy of life. And now Mary Catherine is resting in the arms of our Lord. She leaves a legacy of love, a joyfilled spirit and a wonderful, wonderful smile. Allow her smile to wipe away the sadness we all feel in the days ahead. God has promised, "See, I will not forget you for I hold you in the palm of My hand." Mary Catherine....rest in peace.
David Betanski, Shorewest retired.
Aimee Daniels
April 6, 2009
To Mr. Poker and the Boys,
I just heard about your loss and I am so SORRY. I know your pain and I wish there was a majic word I could say to make this better for you and your wonderful boys. Just know that God and your family will help you through this hard time. All my Prayers are with you and your Family
Lisa Reinecke, RE/MAX Realty 100
April 6, 2009
I am deeply saddened by Mary Catherine's passing and the profession is going to miss her dearly. She was always a joy to work with - we all wish there were more "Mary Catherines" in the business.
Mark - even though we've never met, you and your boys,as well as the entire family are in our ongoing prayers. May God surround you all with peace at this very difficult time, as well as fond memories of Mary Catherine. It was a wonderful celebration today of her life. Tim and Lisa Reinecke
Baranowski Family
April 6, 2009
Mark and family,
My cousin was a wonderful person, my family and I wished to have been there.
Our hearts and prayers are with the poker and kloempken family always.
Kevin Nash
April 6, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Catherine was an elloquent lady and Realtor. It was my pleasure to work with her over the past several years. My prayers and blessing go out to her entire family.
Michael Duffy
April 6, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the Poker and Kloempken families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jordan and Karen Chadwick
April 6, 2009
Mark and Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Dear Wife. Karen and I will pray for you and your family. Our Community lost a loving, loyal friend and volunteer. See will be saddly missed by everyone who's life she touched and changed for the better. May God Belss her and your family.
Katie Boyle Manning
April 6, 2009
On behalf of the Boyle family, our deepest sympathies. We are so sorry for your tremendous loss and it is our prayer that you may feel God's light in the days ahead.
Mimi and Glen Wherfel
April 6, 2009
Dear Kloempken family,
Glen and I were profoundly saddened to hear of the loss of Mary Catherine. We cannot imagine the heartache you feel at this time.
When Mary Catherine assisted in QAS Sunday pre-school in 1982, she helped our Quinn draw a picture of a boat riding a huge wave. The inscription was~
"Dear Lord, Be good to me; the sea is so wide, and my boat is so small". She signed and dated it in the lower corner. We framed the drawing, and it has hung in Quinns former bedroom for the last 27 years!
We have to accept that our boat may become lost, but our solice is knowing that God will right our vessel... and guide us home.
Very Fondly,
Judy Erickson
April 6, 2009
Therese, We are so sorry to hear of your sister's passing. Our thoughts and parayers are with you and your family, May you feel the Lord's loving arms wrapped around you during this difficult time.
Judy, Dave, Emily and Molly
Gina Toole Saunders
April 6, 2009
I was a classmate of Mary's at St. Ignatius College Prep. I have fond memories of her smile and effervescent personality. Our family would like to express our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter, wife, sister and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Gina Toole Saunders and the Toole family
Thomas Engwert
April 6, 2009
Dear Tom and Family;
We were very saddend by the passing of Mary Catherine. We did not know her personally but we know her Dad Tom and if she was anything like him then she was a great person that will truly be missed. Our Heartfelt prayers go our to you and her family.
Tom, Scott, Jan
Current Midwest Co., Inc.
Jeff, Tammy & Ryan Kops
April 6, 2009
Dear Mark, We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary Catherine would light up every room she walked into and that was many a room! She helped us sell our condo and find our home and did so with such expertise. She will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jennifer Miller-Summers
April 6, 2009
Dear Mark, Michael and Matthew,
I remember your family when I taught at The Goddard School. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mary Catherine. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Serving God and the Bridgeport community since 1868
Fr. Dan Brandt
April 6, 2009
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains' Unit and the people of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Bridgeport. Mary Catherine is remembered and prayed for at all Masses here this weekend. May you, her family and friends, know the healing touch of Christ during this difficult time.
Nancy Tomz
April 6, 2009
Words cannot describe my sadness for your loss. I will always remember Mary Catherine as a sweet young girl who was adored by her teachers, including me, and all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your happy memories of Mary Catherine sustain you, as well as the thought that someday you will be with her again in heaven.
Nicole Bostrom
April 5, 2009
Mary Catherine will be missed. She was a collegue and a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa George
April 5, 2009
I worked with Mary Catherine at Talbots in Brookfield. She had such a kind heart! I am so sorry for your loss, and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Ellen Donlon
April 5, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of Mary Catherine's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your family.
Margaret Mary Martensen and family
Becky Kaus
April 5, 2009
We were saddened to hear the news of Mary Catherine's passing. We met Mary Catherine at The Goddard School where our boys went to school with Matthew and Michael. Mary Catherine was always such a joy to talk with. Our deepest sympathies on your loss.
Becky, Jeff, Jacob, and Ben Kaus
Julie and Brian Nelson
April 5, 2009
Mark, Michael and Matthew,
Brian and I were so saddened by the news of Mary Catherines passing. We have nothing but fond memories of our relationship with Mary Catherine. She always greeted us with a smile and such loving compasion each and every time we saw her. She always cared about our well being when she was either selling our home or helping us to find one. She always came to our house with goodies for the children or chocolate for me. She will be greatly missed by our family. Mary Catherine always was so full of life, energy and happiness and I can not ever remember seeing her without a smile on her face.
Mark, you and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers and we are so sorry for your loss and the pain that you are going through. May God comfort you and your children today and always.
Brian, Julie, Miles, Quentin, Keegan, Sydney, Hayden and Isabella Nelson
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Kelly Burden Lindstrom
April 5, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the Poker and Kloempken families. I remember Mary Catherine's sweet smile and kind spirit from growing up on Knox Avenue together. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark Cassidy
April 5, 2009
Mark, Peggy, Tom and family,
I have some wonderful memories of Mary when we all were growing up on Knox Av. Good days so long ago..
You are all in our prayers and hearts through this difficult time.
Mark and Pam Cassidy
April 5, 2009
Mark and Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Johannes Schulze Vohren and Beth Furumo (BA Family)
Stuart & Kathy Patinkin
April 5, 2009
Tom and Peggy, we say to you and to all those who shared the love of your daughter, we, with you, are deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Our wish for you and for them – especially Mary' children and husband – is that you and they remain strong and that you all, with the fondest memories of Mary held close to your heart and with smiles drawn by those recollections, come to know happiness again. – Fondly,
Sandy Cadd
April 5, 2009
Mark & family,
Mary Catherine will be remembered by all who knew her. She impacted many lives with her caring nature and unselfish spirit. May God be with all of you and bless you with wonderful memories.
She will be truly missed,
Sandy Cadd
April 5, 2009
Peggy and Tom my the Lord wrap his arms around you and your family at this time. May you feel his presence with you and know he is caring for Mary Catherine now. Ann and Dave Erie
April 5, 2009
Dear Peggy and Tom:
Tom and I heard this devastating news yesterday, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this time. Words cannot express the depth of our sadness and concern. We look forward to the next time we will see you and comfort you.
-Patricia and Thomas Miller
Jeanette Keene
April 5, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Catherine was one of the nicest people I ever met. Her smile and laugh were so contagious and she was such a great mom to Michael and Matthew. She touched so many lives in a positive way and all of us have nothing but the nicest memories of Mary Catherine. May all the happy memories of her get you through this time of sorrow. You will all be in my thoughts.
With deepest sympathy
Sally & David Hanson
April 5, 2009
Know that Mary Catherine has just gone on to the real estate we all work on this earthly level to get to....where there is peace and joy. She has made an impact on the lives she touched and the business she loved....the associates she had spanned southeastern Wisconsin and were not limited to her own company. May God walk with her always and the pain of your loss be replaced by the sweetness of the many wonderful memories she has left you for a lifetime. Our deepest sympathy to you all, know that the pain of your loss is shared by all who knew her. Sally & David Hanson - Realtors - FWG -Brookfield
Doug & Colleen Sprague
April 5, 2009
Words cannot discribe our sadness, Mary Catherine was an amazing woman. She is now with God and may you, Mark and your sweet little boys find confort as Jesus wraps his loving arms around you and holds you tight.
Julie Heger
April 5, 2009
I had the honor and privilege to do business with Mary Catherine for many years and was so saddened to hear of her passing. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family.
Paul & Stacy Cannariato
April 4, 2009
On behalf of my wife Stacy, I would like to express our deepest condolences. Mary Catherine walked into our popcorn store over 3 years ago and quickly became one of our strongest supporters. Her kind heart and friendly nature welcomed our friendship. She was always upbeat and positive even during the most challenging of times. Her warm smile welcomed conversation and her caring nature was contagious. She made an impact on our lives that will last forever. We hope your family finds peace during this most difficult time.
Susie Piszczek McPartlin
April 4, 2009
My niece Mary Catherine was my youngest daughter Katie's godmother. She was spirited, energetic,kind, loving and very generous. I was fortunate to have spoken with her recently and am now cherishing the memories. She will be missed.
Matthias, Susan, Isabelle and Alexander Buerger
April 4, 2009
To Mary Catherine's loved ones:
Mary Catherine helped us to find our footing in Wisconsin. She was the best ambassador one could want. Her kindred spirit, enthusiasm and refreshing attitude were contagious. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. When we told our young daughter, she said: "Something must have gone wrong in heaven and God needed her help." Whatever God needed Mary Catherine for, we are sure that she will be the best.
Marilyn
April 4, 2009
To The Poker Family;
Our sincere sympathy on your loss. I know you will miss her very much. God assures you that He is ‘healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spot.’ Psalm 147:3.
The Morse-Caruso Family
April 4, 2009
We are all so very sorry to hear of your loss. Mark, may the beauty of her spirit live in the smile of your boys and in your heart.
Beth Jaworski
April 4, 2009
I will always remember Mary Catherine smiling, with that wonderful sparkle in her eyes. She was an angel on earth, who has now gone home to heaven. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you.
Lisa Blythe
April 4, 2009
Mark,
I am still in shock of the passing of Mary Catherine. I will always remember her beautiful smile, her generosity, always being there for others and bringing such joy when you were around her. She was a wonderful friend.
Professionally I respected her very much and will always strive to meet her standards. I am not sure anyone can do a Brokers Open like Mary Catherine though!
I will always remember the joy and love on her face when she spoke of the boys too.
You, the boys and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
She will be terribly missed!
April 4, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies to the Kloempken and Poker families. We are glad we got to reconnect with Mary Catherine when she moved to Wisconsin. Like her parents, she was always there to offer help when needed. You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Glynn & Patty Elliott & Family
Penny Kerndt
April 4, 2009
My deepest condolances on the loss of your dearest Mary Catherine. Your entire family will be in the Calto/Kerndt family's prayers. God give you all the courage and strength to carry on at this very difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Penny Kerndt
Jackie Vlerick Redlich
April 4, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Kloempken and family,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mary Catherine's passing. I can still picture us sitting in Mrs. Lambert's english class at Queen's like it was yesterday or how we almost wound up together at St. Ignatius (except she was smart and went there and I didn't)As the mother of two young boys myself I am praying that God will watch over the boys and take care of them as they grieve the loss of their mother. I will also continue to pray for your family that God will be there to comfort you in this tragedy, I know nothing can prepare you to deal with the loss of a child. If there is anything that my family can do for you the way you (Mrs. Kloempken) were there for me on my wedding day please let me or my parents know.
We will continue to keep your family in our daily prayers. She will truly be missed!
Kathleen Heneghan
April 4, 2009
My deepest condolences to the Kloempken & Poker families. I only knew Mary Catherine for a very short time, as I transferred into Queens at the end of 7th grade, but she was a class act and a true representative of her fine family. I was saddened to hear of her death and will keep all of you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Caroline Brannen Campanini
April 4, 2009
I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to both the Kloempken/Polker families. Mary Catherine was always such a nice person extending back to our Queen of All Saints. days. I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John LaMantia
April 4, 2009
Mary made our years at St. Ignatius College Prep the most memorable because of her sunshine disposition and loving spirit. Always helpful (thanks for the homework tips, Mary) and always fun.
My sympathies to the family.
Anne Flood (and Rick too!)
April 4, 2009
Day two.....of trying to wrap myself around this devastating news and not succeeding. Mark, Matthew and Michael, you lost your wife and mom and I lost a dear friend. I regret that I will not be present this weekend to celebrate Mary Catherine's life but I will be there in spirit. You are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Miss our chats in the yard....
Sharon Melaniphy Cuncannan
April 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I went to Queen of All Saints and The Woods with Mary Catherine and her kindness and beautiful smile will always be something that I will cherish. Please know how much you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Lenahan
April 4, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Dion & Joan O'Leary
April 4, 2009
Tom and Peggy, Therese and Dave, and Mary Catherine's entire family -
May we express our sincere condolences at this sad time. Mary Catherine and all of you will remain in our prayers.
Shelly Braun
April 4, 2009
Dear Mark and boys,
I will greatly miss Mary Catherine and her beautiful smile. I always looked forward to talking with her when she brought the boys in for haircuts.
Please know you and your family are in my prayers at this very difficult time.
John & Carol Melaniphy
April 4, 2009
Are thoughts and prayers are with and your families.
Bill/Kathy Riordan
April 4, 2009
The Queen of All Saints community remembered Mary Catherine and prayed for the Kloempken/Polker families at a special Mass/rosary recitation this morning. All of you are in the thoughts and prayers of your many friends. They are responding with the care, love and faith that Peg,Tom and their girls have always demonstrated to others in times of joy and in times of sorrow. May your faith and expressions of love from family and friends bring you healing and peace.
Ginny & Preston Kendall
April 4, 2009
We are so sad to hear of Mary Catherine's death. We wish you only fond memories and pray for God's peace that surpasses all understanding.
Melanie Metz
April 4, 2009
I am so shocked to hear of Mary Catherine's passing. I got to know her as an Associate Board member when I was working for the Zoological Society. She was such a kind person and I truly enjoyed working with her on many of the events at the Zoo. Her cheerful nature and willingness to help and share ideas made her an asset to the board and a pleasure to be around. She will truly be missed. Mark, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Karen Loth
April 4, 2009
I served on the Associate Board of the Zoological Society with Mary Catherine and was shocked to hear of her passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Adria Goodson
April 4, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Classmate from St. Ignatius '85
April 3, 2009
Mark:
Mary Catherine was such a beautiful spirit filled with joy and love. She will be greatly missed. May you find healing in your happy memories - my prayers are with you and your family.
Teresa O'Malley
Katie LeClair
April 3, 2009
Dear Mark, Michael, and Matthew~
I'm deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your wife and loving mother. She had the biggest heart a person could have and a smile that could light a room! I was Michael and Matthews teacher at The Goddard School for many years and Mary Catherine always expressed her greatest gratitude for what his teachers did for them. You guys always made it so comfortable to be in your home when I babysat for the boys on many occasions! If you need anything don't hesitate to ask! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
God Bless
April 3, 2009
Mary Catherine was such an inspiration and touched so many, many lives. We are praying for you, the boys, and all of your extended family. Please know how many people are here to support you in whatever way they can.
Aimee & Jim Weiner (BA Parents)
Gene & Joanne Brah
April 3, 2009
Dear Mark and family...we are so sad to hear of your loss. Am sorry we never got to meet Mary Catherine, but what a lovely person she must have been. Our deepest sypathies to you and the boys.
Love and prayers, Gene & Joanne Brah
Julie and Jim Swiderski
April 3, 2009
Mark,
We are deeply saddened to learn of your loss. We first met Mary Catherine at Goddard, where our boys attended with Michael and Matthew. She quickly grew to be a wonderful friend who took the time to get to know our whole family well. Her love for her family was clearly evident, and we know how much you will all miss her.
If there is any way we can help you in the weeks and months ahead, please don't hesitate to let us know. You and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
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