Jenelle Clare Klumb

With Love, We Celebrate the Life of Jenelle Clare Klumb (née Warren)
June 19, 1943 – July 27, 2025
Jenelle Clare Klumb, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, mentor, and respected community leader, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born to Wilmer and Ruby Warren on June 19, 1943, Jenelle was a tribally enrolled member of the White Earth Nation and carried her heritage with deep pride and purpose throughout her life.
She was the devoted wife of the late Kurtis Klumb and the loving mother of Shelli Kanter and Susan (Klumb) Koney, wife of Patrick Koney. She was preceded in death by her sons, Scott Kanter and Andy Kanter. Jenelle was the proud grandmother of Nicole Jacox (with her husband Jaz), Mia Hughes, Natalie Hughes, and Kurt and Ruby Koney, and the adoring great-grandmother of Jalen Jacox. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson were the center of her world, and she deeply loved and supported them throughout their lives.
Jenelle was a founding member of Indian Summer Festival, serving in leadership roles on its Board of Directors for more than 30 years. Her dedication helped bring the rich culture, traditions, and stories of Native peoples to thousands of attendees, establishing the festival as a powerful and joyful cultural tradition in Milwaukee.
From the 1990s through 2014, Jenelle served as an auntie and trusted advisor in the American Indian Student Services (AISS) office at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. As a first-generation, older UWM graduate, she became a source of guidance, comfort, and strength for Native students-offering academic support, life advice, humor, meals, hugs, and heartfelt encouragement. Her creativity and generosity enriched student life and events such as the UWM Powwow and "Honor for All," which she helped organize with love and care.
Jenelle also served on the board of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association and worked closely with the Milwaukee Indian Education Committee. She was instrumental in leading community initiatives like the school supply drive and the "All City Graduation," which celebrated Native student success from kindergarten through college.
She also cherished time with her up north family and made many treasured memories on the Peshtigo River-moments filled with laughter, peace, and joy that she held close to her heart.
She is survived by her brothers Joe (Chris) Warren, Jim (Kathy) Warren, and Jeffrey Warren; many beloved nieces and nephews; and godchildren Neal Zokan, Lisa (Warren) Kohler, and Sarah Delos Reyes. Her warmth, strength, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Jenelle will be remembered as a modern matriarch-fearless, creative, and ahead of her time. Her graceful strength, cultural pride, advocacy for Native education, and boundless love for her family and community leave an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.
A Mass in her honor will be held on Sunday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Congregation of the Great Spirit (1000 W Lapham Blvd, Milwaukee, WI), officiated by Fr. Ed Cook.
A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, September 6, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (19805 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI). In lieu of flowers, cash donations will support a scholarship in her name and a donation to the White Earth Nation Tribe.