Helen Mae Kleemann

Helen Mae (nee Behrens) Kleemann, 96, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at her residence in Jackson.

Helen was born on March 21, 1929, in Marinette to the late Albert H. and Ella (nee Peters) Behrens. Helen came into the world on the same day her mother Ella Behrens passed away during childbirth. Helen was then lovingly raised by Albert and Edna (nee Buchman) Behrens.

Helen graduated from Marinette High School in 1947. She worked at the family resort in Porterfield, before moving to Milwaukee in the early 1960s. Helen worked in retail as a salesgirl at Schiller’s Millinery. Upon moving to Milwaukee, she met the love of her life, Thomas Kleemann. Helen and Tom were united in marriage on October 13, 1962, at St. Stevens Church in Milwaukee.

She took on her most cherished role as mother upon the birth of their son, Carl, in 1963. Helen demonstrated her strength and resilience after the untimely death of her beloved husband Tom, in 1976, having to then raise Carl on her own.

Helen loved animals, especially her beloved dogs, Patches and Pepe. They were her constant companions, always by her side. She loved when dogs visited at the assisted living facility, taking the time to pet them or hold them on her lap.

Helen was a gentle and kind spirit with a ready smile to greet visitors. She loved sitting out on her porch at her Milwaukee home and then on her deck at her assisted living residence, waving to passersby.

Those Helen leaves behind to cherish her memory include her dear sister, Marlene (the late Donald) Waugus; sister-in-law, Doris (the late Carl) Splaine; nieces and nephews, Barbara (the late Tom) Kontny, Steven (Diane) Bannow, Jim Bannow, Susan (Cheri Noll) Kerr, Lynn (James) Anderson, Tim Behrens, Amy (Brion) Schaefer, Kelly Flanagan, Cynthia (Tim) Holiday, Stacy (John) Rost, Carl Jr (Lindsey) Splaine, Tom (Jennifer) Splaine; cousin-in-law Kathleen (the late Daniel) Schreier; Danielle Schreier; great-nieces and great-nephews; other family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her son, Carl Kleemann; sister, Jean (Loren) Bannow; brother, Albert P. (Mary) Behrens, and nephew, Gregg Waugus.

VISITATION: Helen’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 11:00am to noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church (2881 Division Road, Jackson, WI).

FUNERAL SERVICE: A funeral service for Helen will follow visitation at noon, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jackson, WI, with the Rev. Paul Mittermaier officiating the service.

Memorials in Helen’s name can be directed to Washington County Humane Society or charity of your choice.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff at Charter Senior Living of Hasmer Lake and Brighton Hospice for their care and compassion given to Helen.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Helen’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.