Sara J. Klema

Sara Jean Klema passed away tragically on March 28, 2026. A celebration of life is planned for Monday, April 6 at 10:00am at Helgeson's in Roseau.

Sara was born March 25th, 1984, in Roseau, Minnesota to Pam and Jerry Klema. She grew up on the farm south of town with her three brothers, where she enjoyed snowmobiling, four-wheeling and rescuing kittens. She also made many memories at Rocky Point, where she and her brothers captured fireflies in mason jars and kept tadpoles in Coleman coolers until they grew legs. She first waterskied at age 4, the same day her older brothers were too scared. In her teens, the family moved to town. They also built a family cabin on Oak Island, where she perfected the "one and a half" off the high dive, loved to fish, and mastered the art of fileting walleye.

Sara made friends everywhere she went. During a family trip to Maui in 2006 she befriended some locals and ended up moving there. She found a community in the service industry and worked at some of Maui's most popular restaurants. She welcomed friends and family in paradise and always made sure they had a good time. Most notably, it was during the decade she spent in Hawaii that she gave birth to her son Ole.

In 2016, Sara and Ole moved back to Roseau where they quickly immersed themselves in the community. Over the years, one through line in her professional life was her caring nature. She had an empathetic approach to people. In recent years she spent time as a CNA at Northern Horizons and as a para-professional at the elementary school. She had a giving heart and was always willing to help those in need.

She will be missed by many who knew her for her friendly smile and willingness to participate. She was inclusive and always went the extra mile to connect whenever an old friend was in town. She was FUN and she loved to have fun!

In her final act of generosity, Sara chose to be an organ donor. Through her extraordinary gift, she was able to impact up to eight families – and enduring testament to her compassion.

Sara is survived by her son, Ole; her fiancé, Pete Geroy; brothers Gabe (Thora) Bunke, Mike (Melissa) Klema, and David (Julia) Klema; nieces and nephews Taylor (Harlee), Boe (Emma), Britta, John, Paul, Cora, Nell, Angus and Jagger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Pam, and grandparents, Lawrence and Florence Klema and Clair and Ellen Overland.