Jerry Kleinke of Port Washington passed away at Lawlis Family Hospice Center in Mequon Thursday morning, November 18, 2021. He was 83 years old. Jerry was born in Fond du Lac on July 7, 1938, son of Wilbur and Marie Oppermann Kleinke. He grew up on the family farm in New Fane and attended local schools, graduating from Kewaskum High School, Class of 1956.On December 13, 1975, Jerry was united in marriage with Jean Schultz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington. Together they raised four children. Mr. Kleinke was a machinist at Bolens Mfg., retiring in 2008, and later took on a position at Port Washington High School as a custodian.A faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington, Jerry had served as an elder, a deacon and an usher. He was a longtime member of the Port Washington-Saukville Jaycees. Jerry enjoyed working outside, playing baseball, shooting darts and playing cards… especially a good game of sheepshead! More recently, he loved spending time with his grandkids. His family will always remember Jerry’s love of sweets and his optimistic outlook on life.Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jean; children, Daniel (Michele) Bichler of Random Lake, Cherie (Steve) Ewig of Port Washington, Phil (Lisa) Kleinke of Campbellsport and Scott Kleinke of Jackson. He is further survived by grandchildren, Zach Kleinke, Amanda Bichler, Brad Bichler, Alysia Gibes, Hunter Kleinke and Taylor Kleinke; greatgrand children, Xavier and Scarlet Kleinke; sister, Welda (George) Simousek of Sun City West, AZ; brothers, Jim (Dianne) Kleinke of Hot Springs, AR and John (the late Diane) Kleinke of Fond du Lac; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, at St. John’s Lutheran Church 217 Freeman Drive, Port Washington. Rev. John Klieve will preside. Jerry will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery, Saukville later that afternoon.The family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until services begin at 11:30 a.m.If desired, memorials are suggested in Jerry’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church Port Washington or the Parkinson’s Foundation.Jerry’s family wishes to thank the Aurora Medical Center and Lawlis Family Hospice Center for the exceptional care they provided to Jerry.Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.

Ethel Kathryn Knoeck (née Walters), age 93, of West Bend passed peacefully on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, with family by her side. She was born on May 28, 1928, to Joseph and Edna Walters. She was born in Chicago and lived there until moving to West Bend with her mother and brother when she was a young child. Along with being a wife and mother, Ethel worked as a library aide for many years sharing her love for books with students in the Kewaskum and West Bend schools.Ethel was a long time member of the “Red Hat Society”. She enjoyed the luncheons and gatherings while sporting her red hat. Around the kitchen farm table, Ethel was known for holding the queen of clubs until the final hand during a game of Sheepshead. As a resident of Cedar Bay Health Care Center, Ethel was comforted by praying the daily rosary. She enjoyed reading mysteries and watching them on PBS, playing bingo (and winning many of the prizes!), singing in the choir, playing the handbells, and tooling around in her wheelchair making sure everyone was doing their job.Ethel met Oscar Knoeck, Sr. one day when he stopped by to deliver milk to her house. They soon fell in love and married on June 30,1948. Oscar passed away on their 55th wedding anniversary (June 30, 2003).Ethel is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as beloved relatives and friends.Oscar (Maren) Knoeck, Jr. of Iola Tracy Knoeck of West Bend and her children, Amber (Gordon) Winker Glidewell (and their chil - dren, Damian and Jordy), Rusty Winker, Bianca Romero Knoeck, and Jose’ Romero Knoeck; Tony (Beth) Knoeck of Hartford and their children, Austin, Trey, Jax and Ashley; Travis (Jessica) Knoeck of Flower Mound, TX and their children, Logan, Lucas and Londyn; Terianne (Dan) Knoeck-Nehls of DePere and their children, Daniel and Lilyann; and Oscar’s stepgrand son, Jovon Ashworth of Mount Pleasant Chuck (LeAnn) Knoeck of Neenah Ben (Stephanie) Knoeck of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Zac (significant other Courtney Mueller) Knoeck of Grand Chute Kathleen (Craig) Smith of Mesa, AZ Christopher (Giselle Cardona-Lawrenz) Lawrenz of Queen Creek, AZ and children, Payton Lawrenz (significant other Christian Wilson), McKenzie (Jacob) Nagy (and their expected Willow), Dylan Lawrenz and Christopher’s step-son Elijah Cardona; Matthew (Tracey) Lawrenz of Glendale, AZ and their child Orion Doug (Mary) Knoeck of Kewaskum Jen Knoeck of Kewaskum Nettie Knoeck of Fond du Lac Jess (Mike) Rasmussen of Burnsville, MN. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Joseph Walters, who served in the Air Force during World War II and is listed as MIA (English Channel); her husband, Oscar (and his siblings and their spouses); her grandson, Joel Knoeck; her grand - daughter, Julie Knoeck; and daughter-in-law, Janna Knoeck.The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Bay Health Care Center, especially Darcie, for their loving care over these past years. In addition, thank you to all of Ethel’s visitors over the years who took the time to stop by to brighten her day, or to send a card, flowers and other treats, especially Jeanne Knoeck, Dennis Crass, Arnie and Nancy Dittbrenner, and Judi Jacak.Funeral services were held on Monday, November 22, 2021, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church with Father Howard Haase presiding. Burial followed at Holy Angels Cemetery.The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.

Richard “Richie” Otto Backhaus, age 86, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021, at the Samaritan in West Bend. He was born on September 28, 1935, in Kewaskum to Herbert and Selma (nee Miller) Backhaus. He is known in West Bend for owning M& R Bar for 41 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trap shooting. He loved his Packers and especially the Brewers.Richard is survived by his three children, Rashelle (Scott) Wiedmeyer, Kevan and Ryan; his five grandchildren; other relatives and friends.Richard is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn; grandson, Aaron; his parents; three sisters and two brothers.A Funeral Service was held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend) with Pastor David Schoob presiding. Visitation was at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 23, from 3:30 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Private Interment at Washington County Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Trinity Lutheran Church (140 N. 7th Ave., West Bend).The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.(262) 338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com

Sandra “Sandy” L. John, (nee Staab), 81, of Kewaskum found peace with the Lord on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. She was born on June 18, 1940, to the late William and Jean Staab. On October 18, 1958, she was united in marriage to Ronald C. John in Mil - waukee. Sandy was a CNA for many years, and devoted her life helping people. She was a member of the Church Veterans and the Red Suspenders. Sandy and Ron loved traveling and have visited many states. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen cooking and baking, and her breads will be missed. Sandy especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.Those Sandy leaves behind to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 63 years, Ronald John; three children, Julie (Kurt) Allison, James (Jenny) John, and Jeff (Sandy) John; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Shannon) Allison, Kyle (Kari) Allison, Justin (Jamie) John, Katie (Cody) Nichols, Alley (Colton Roesel) John, Kasey (Fredrick) Turnes, Nicholas (Ashley) John, and Amberly (Tanner) St. Mary; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Susie; two brothers, Billy and Richard; two sisters-in-law, Candy Kluss and Marilyn Meylor; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her three sisters, Shirley, Patty, and Marilyn.A private family service in remembrance of Sandy will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ.Her devotion to helping others, she donated her body to science.