Ardell Klemme

Ardell Klemme, age 87, a longtime resident of Big Bearskin Lake in Harshaw and formerly of Stratford, passed away on Saturday April 2, 2011 at the Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff with family and friends at his side. He was born February 1, 1924 in Wausau, Wisconsin the son of George and Viola Klemme. On May 14, 1949 he married Jeanette Weigel. During World War II, as a 20 year old P-47 pilot, Ardell was shot down on a mission over Italy in September of 1944. He landed in the PO river and made it to shore. He was officially listed as Missing In Action, but it was presumed he had been killed in action. For the next six months, while behind enemy lines, he was able to avoid capture by enemy troops with the help of numerous Italian partisans. Finally, in March of 1945, he was reunited with Allied Forces. For his service he was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, the Purple Heart Medal and the Air Medal. Ardell owned and operated Klemme Sales, the Chevrolet dealership in Stratford. He was also involved in numerous other businesses in the area. He was a 25 year director and Vice President of Stratford State Bank. Always a benevolent man, Ardell and Jeanette donated funds for Klemme Park, land for the Klemme Reserve and scholarships at Stratford High School. Ardell loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; Son, Steve (Leslie) Klemme and Daughter, Marie (Bob) Rueth and his Brother, Larry (Patty) Klemme. And by his grandchildren: Christina and Ardell Klemme, Kevin Rueth and Jennifer Klemme and by 1 Great Grandchild, Ashlin Klemme. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Thomas Klemme. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday April 6th at 11:30 AM at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, WI with a visitation from 10:00 AM till time of service at the church. Committal services with Military Rites will be at Union Grove Cemetery in Harshaw. In lieu of flowers memorials to Ministry Home Care/Dr. Kate Hospice, PO Box 770, Woodruff, WI 54568 or donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.bolgerfuneral.com BOLGER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.

Ardell Klemme

February 1, 1924 - April 2, 2011