November 26, 2024 – Town of Wayne, WI – Town of Wayne chairman Carl J. Klemme, 71, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Carl was born on November 30, 1952, in Milwaukee, the son of Arthur and Eleanor (nee Darling) Klemme. In 1972, Carl tossed his cap into the air at Kewaskum High School, ready to embrace the world.
Soon after, he donned the uniform of the army, serving his country with pride. Following his military journey, he stepped into his father’s shoes at Milaeger Well and Pump, where he learned the ropes of the well-drilling trade. But Carl wasn’t one to stay in one place for long; he and his brother, Gary, took the plunge and launched their own well-drilling business, which they still operate today. On May 11, 1979, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Roehrdanz in West Bend.
Carl’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He proudly served as a member of the Kewaskum American Legion and took on the role of town chairman in Wayne. His passion for service extended to the Kohlsville Fire Department and the Ozaukee Guzzlers, where he made lasting connections.
Known as a pool shark, Carl had a knack for running the table, often leaving opponents in awe. In his later years, he became a fixture at K-Town Tap, ensuring its success while also keeping a stool warm where stories and laughter flowed as freely as the drinks. Carl’s legacy is one of dedication, camaraderie, and a love for his hometown.
Those Carl leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Cheryl; three children, Laura Bartelt, Amanda (Brian) Prost, and Steven (Christina) Klemme; two step-children, Vicki (Rick) Kopeschka and Chris Koller; he was called Papa by 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and by several other close friends and family; his siblings, Gary (Diane) Klemme, Clarence (Merry) Klemme, Kathern Cleary, Bonnie Pesch, Cindy Klemme, Debbie (Kurt) Schmidt, Andrew (Lynne) Klemme, Sandy (Al) Phillips and June Klemme; his mother, Eleanor Klemme; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Janet (Art) Gilbert, Deb (Sylvester) Schoofs, Lee Roehrdanz, Diane Klemme; other relatives and many friends.
Carl was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Klemme; two brothers, James Klemme and Arthur Klemme Jr.; a stepson, Eddie Koller; a grandson, Layne Boylen; and two brothers-in-law, Michael Cleary and Richard Pesch.
VISITATION: Carl’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, in West Bend, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
SERVICE: A service for Carl will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 1 at the funeral home in West Bend followed by military honors performed by the Robert G. Romaine American Legion in Kewaskum.
The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Carl’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
Carl’s legendary Carlisms will echo in our memories for years to come. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of his friends and family.
