Fern M. Klaus

Fern Mary (Mettler) Klaus, age 86, of Highland, IL., died Wednesday, September 27, 2006, at Saint Luke\'s Hospital-West in Chesterfield, MO. She was born April 12, 1920, in Highland, IL., the daughter of Martin and Edna (Peter) Mettler. On March 26, 1940, she married LaVerne G. Klaus, who passed away November 25, 2003. Mrs. Klaus was born near Highland, Illinois in Saline Township, Madison County, IL (Northeast of Highland near the City Watertower) where she grew up on the family farm. At age 14, she moved into Highland with her family. She was a 1938 graduate of St. Paul High School. After graduation, she worked at Artex, International and Moulton-Bartley Shoe Company (in the office). She worked as the Secretary to the Principal of St. Paul High School from the mid-1960\'s until retiring in 1986 with the closing of the school. She enjoyed playing music and was accomplished on the tenor saxaphone, piano, organ, and accordian. She played professionally with the musical groups \"Virgil Kinzel Orchestra\" \"Rendition\" and \"Aces\" for 20 years throughout Southern and Centeral Illinois and Missouri. She also played music for private parties and at area nursing homes. For eight years, she coordinated the kichen band called \"Happy Kitchen Kids.\" She also enjoyed growing flowers and making her yard around her home beautiful. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, St. Anne Altar Society of the Church; T.O.P.S. - Highland Chapter. Survivors include Sons-Kenneth E. Klaus of Highland, Ill., and James L . (Carol) Klaus, Sr. of Pocahontas, Ill., Daughters-Mary E. (Leonard) Wolf of Mascoutah, Ill., Sue Ann (Robert) Kolweier of Nashville, Ill., Nancy J. (Marvin) Steinkamp of Nashville, Ill., Sisters-Jennie (Rev. Robert) Torgler of Charlotte, N.C., and Arlene Zobrist of Torrance, Calif., Brother In-law-Elmer \"Butz\" Frey, Jr. of Highland, Ill., Grandchildren-Renee Klaus, Kimberly (Joel) Clasquin, James L. (Cindy) Klaus, Jr., Nicholas (Ashley) Klaus, Daniel Klaus, Jeremy (Traci) Wolf, Jason Wolf, Dustin (Mandy) Kolweier, Rustin (Theresa) KolweierLevi (Renee) Kolweier, Joshua Steinkamp, Jacinda Steinkamp, Great Grandchildren-Lauren Clasquin, Ashley Kaempfe, Jason Kaempfe, Samantha Kolweier, Ethan Kolweier, Kasten Kolweier, Dylan Niederbrach She was preceded in death by Husband-LaVerne G. Klaus (died 11/25/2003), Father-Martin John Mettler, Mother-Edna Elizabeth Mettler, Sister-Pearl Frey (died 1980), Brother In-law-Dale Zobrist

Fern M. Klaus

April 12, 1920 - September 27, 2006