Helen Klamerus

Helen Klamerus

Helen Antonette Klamerus, 89, of Goetzville, was an avid gardener who enjoyed caring for her family, growing and canning food, and picking berries. Mrs. Klamerus died Monday, May 7, 2007, at her home.

She was born March 5, 1918, on the family farm in Goetzville, to Andrew and Mary (nee Plewa) Zwolinski.

A lifelong Goetzville resident, she married Frank E. Klamerus, June 24, 1939, in Goetzville. The center of her life was her family, friends said, and her children and siblings all appreciated her loving care. Mrs. Klamerus liked to garden, growing food and flowers for family, friends, and neighbors. She picked, canned, and processed every kind of berry, those growing in the wild as well as those in her garden.

She was a member and a volunteer at the St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Goetzville.

Mrs. Klamerus is survived by five daughters and their families, Mary Lou and Gilbert Zenzen of Bay City, Sally Klamerus of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeanne Bogart of AuTrain, Mary Kathleen Klamerus of Marquette, and Frances and Mike Rairigh of Goetzville; three sons and their families, Vincent and Ruth Klamerus of Drummond Island, Robert and Theresa Klamerus of Woodhaven, and David and Sharon Klamerus of Drummond Island; 16 grandchildren and their families, Charlie and Wanda Zenzen, Lynn Zenzen, Sue and Ray Maki, Wendi and Scott Boger, Rob and Michele Klamerus, Ashley Klamerus, David G. and Mandy Klamerus, Dee Ann and A.T. Frank, Justin Klamerus, Morri and Rich Ledy, Kasha and Scott Nevenhoven, D. Kurtis and Tonya Patrick, Jared Patrick, Alyssa and Andy Vallier, Brandon and Jaci Rairigh, and Tamiera and Chad Boise. She is also survived by 30 great-grandchildren, Abby Zenzen, Katie Barcy, Erin Barcy, Mariah Maki, Ty Maki, Janelle Klamerus, Nathan Klamerus, Mathew Gratowski, Katherine Klamerus, Frank Klamerus, Hayden Klamerus, Vincent Klamerus, Ella Frank, Tatum Ledy, Richard Ledy III, Jade Ledy, Cullen Ledy, Terese Ledy, Avery Ledy, Delaney Barrette, Teagan Nevenhoven, Darian Vallier, Hazel Vallier, Kayla DuPris, Brian Patrick, Heather Patrick, Brandi Clark, Dylon Clark, Lily Rairigh, and Scott Rairigh. Also surviving are two sisters and their families, Janet and Verne Skinner of Pickford and Virginia and Leland Blair of Sault Ste. Marie, and one brother and his family, Clarence and Pat Zwolinski of Rogers City.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Frank, in 1997; one grandson, Wade Klamerus; brothers, John Zwolinski, Frank Zwolinski, Mike Zwolinski and Everette Zwolinski; and sisters, Anne McConkey, Sophia Clegg, Marian Shadnaw, Florence Zwolinski, and Julia Walker.

Visitation was held Thursday, May 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with prayers at 8 p.m. at Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Goetzville with Father Sebastian Chacko as celebrant.

Burial will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Goetzville.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church Building Fund, 12841 East Traynor Road, Goetzville, Michigan 49736.