Mr. Klemme served in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army for two years and was then employed by the U.S. Veteran’s Administration Hospital for over 40 years while continuing his military career with the Army Reserves for 35 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. He began his federal career with the V.A. Hospital, working in St. Louis, MO, and, after multiple moves and advancements with the V.A., living in five different states, he returned to work in St. Louis in 1966 while living in Belleville with his wife and children.
Roland was an expert rifleman, who enjoyed hunting with his sister, Dolores, and late brothers-in-law, Walter “Whip” Dill and Alfred Knecht. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Belleville, IL, for 49 years where he served as a lector and worked with his wife in feeding the hungry at Belleville Christian Center for many years. He was an avid reader, enjoyed playing golf and a variety of card games, and was an expert in refinishing wood furniture, producing several pieces of beautifully refinished furniture. He was a devoted family man who loved to listen to his wife play the organ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Valentine and Catherine, nee Wallenfels, Klemme; and a sister, Alvina Knecht.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, the love of his life, Catherine “Bea”, nee Mentel, Klemme;
four children, Cheri Klemme of Chicago, IL,
Bonnie (John Auker) of Germantown, TN,
Lynn (Jim Davis) of Fountain Inn, SC,
and Michael Klemme of Barnhart, MO;
two grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jessica Auker;
a sister, Dolores Dill;
sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Clete Wellner);
brother-in-law, Dave Mentel (Mae);
along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
The Klemme Family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Dammert Geriatric Center, Belleville, IL, for their loving care and concern for Roland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Belleville Christian Center (designate Feed the Hungry), to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, or to the Dammert Geriatric Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Belleville, IL
Funeral: A Catholic mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly and Father Jim Wynne officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
Condolences Left For Roland Klemme
Sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle Roland. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers
Sarah Mentel Haniuk and AJ, Waterloo , Iowa, 50702
Our Love and Prayers with you Uncle Roland and Family. Our sincere Gratitude for your Military Service, and all the Wonderful things you have done for The world. Military Service is in the Family blood as ALL my Sons have followed what you and other Family members began. THANK YOU! God bless you and have peace with God. We Love You!!
Shelley Ryk Cox and Family, Waterloo, Iowa, 50702
Sorry to hear of the loss of Roland. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Maryetta Mentel, Evansdale, Iowa, 50707
Bea and family,
I am sorry to learn of the loss of your dear Roland. As a good friend to your daughter Cher for many years, we know he was a great father. My prayers go with you.
Jeraldene Bloom Stephenson, Stuart, FL, 34996
As Bonnie’s friend, I have long admired her dedication to her dad. I am very sad for her & all of Mr. Klemme’s family. My thoughts & prayers for strength, healing & comfort are with each of you. With love & my deepest sympathy.
Ann Lawrence Smith, Memphis, TN, 38115
Sorry to hear the loss of your father, my prayers are with you and your family at this time. FDA co-worker of Cher Klemme.
Stephanie Bolton, Dolton, IL, 60419
Love and prayers for the entire Klemme Family. May God be with you and give you comfort knowing Rolanc is at peace now and will have no more pain. Mike April and Robin
Mike April and Robin Majority, Sumter, SC, 29150
Love and prayers for the entire Klemme Family. May God be with you and give you comfort knowing Roland is at peace now and will have no more pain. Mike April and Robin
Mike April and Robin Majority, Sumter, SC, 29150
Bonnie, we in the Clinical Department wish to let you and your family know how saddened we were to hear about the loss of your father. You have been one of the most devoted and dedicated daughters a parent could ever wish for. All of you are in our prayers.
Debra Swindoll on behalf of Medtronic Clinical, Memphis, TN, 38132
Dear Bea, You have my heartfelt sympathy for you and your family. Your daughter, Lynn, is a good friend and co-worker and through her, you have our thought and Prayer’s from Greenville SC. Remember all the good times and blessings you and Roland shared and the ones you both gave to others. The Lord is with you through all of your sorrow. Let His peace comfort you, Lynn, Jim and all your family and friends who will miss your Roland. God Bless you all.
Susan Richardson, Piedmont, SC, 29673
Lynn,
I am praying for you and your family to have peace and strength at this time. You have my deepest sympathy. I hope your fond memories of your father can bring some comfort and peace. Rest assure your dad is in heaven and is smiling down at you.
Sadly,
Steve
Steve Barth, Greenville, SC, 29607
Dear Cher & Family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. As friends since college days we grew to know you and your family with the highest respect for your Dad. After losing my Dad in recent years I know what a great loss this is for you and your family and take solace in the many wonderful years you celebrated life together. Love, Suzie & Frankie
Susan Polodna / Frank Quartullo, Naples, Florida, 34102
As friends of Bonnie, Wayne and I want you all to know our wishes of God’s comfort for you. May the wonderful memories of Mr. Klemme’s life sustain you.
Brenda Carson, Bartlett, Tennessee, 38135
Dear Cher and Family,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Klemme family. Cher is a good friend and I know how much her Father will be missed. My heart and continued prayers go out to Cher and her family in this difficult time.
Love, Kathy
Kathy Poulos, Lindenhurst, IL, 60046
Dear Cher & Family,
Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family on the passing of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers and with you.
Cleve and Marie Caviness, Round Lake, Il, 60073
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Pat and Brenda Wellner family, Washburn, IA – Iowa, 50702
Dear Bonnie,
My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Noella
Noella Deraedemaeker, Eppegem, Belgium, , 1980
Jeff & Auker family, praying that you can be a comfort to another at a difficult time and that God gives you strength and peace at a difficult time.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
James Brunton, Hernando, MS, 38632
My family and I prayers are with you and your family. God will always be with you in time of need. God is always there to comfort us. God bless you all.
Kurt Guy , Jonesboro, AR , 72401
Jeff & Auker family, praying that you can be a comfort to another at a difficult time and that God gives you strength and peace at a difficult time.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
James Brunton, Hernando, MS, 38632
Lynn we know this is a very difficult time for you and the family. We are praying for peace and comfort during this time. Remember all the precious moments that you have shared with us on a wonderful father and example he displayed over your lifetime. God Bless you all
Aaron and Frieda Woods, Simpsonville, SC, 29680
I went to grade school with Bonnie and Mom and Dad were friends with Roland and Bea. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Please draw on the fond memories but also allow yourself to grieve.
Barbara (Thompson) Euler, PACIFIC, MISSOURI, 63069