Jessie Klumpers

Jessie Klumpers, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin surrounded by her family. 

Services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Alto Reformed Church. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in the town of Trenton. Visitation will be held on Friday at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. 

Jessie was born on August 3, 1936, in Portage, Wisconsin. Being born later in life to her parents and the youngest of six children, her oldest brother drove her parents to the hospital to be born. Even though she was the baby of the family and raised as an only child, she was always surrounded by family. 

Her warm presence and kind nature left an undeniable mark on all who knew her. Her ability to provide love and comfort made her an exceptional mother and caregiver, a role she embraced wholeheartedly throughout her life — first babysitting and caring for her numerous nieces and nephews (only years younger), marrying the love of her life, Kenneth Klumpers in Waupun, WI on October 3, 1958, and then raising her own six children (although she was told she won’t be able to have children). 

After their children left home, Ken and Jessie built their dream home where they hosted large family gatherings and holidays for many years, creating wonderful memories for their grandchildren. Unexpectedly, Ken passed away too soon leaving a void in her life, so she opened her home (and heart) to babysit other children, which she is still known today as ‘Grandma Jessie’. 

Later moving to an apartment in Beaver Dam, she spent her time making a quilt for each of her grandchildren and transformed her garage into a welcoming gathering spot, where strangers quickly became friends over afternoon chats and conversations.

Jessie’s love for her family was unparalleled, and she often expressed this through the time she spent with them, the care she provided, and the joy she found in life's simple pleasures. Which is evident when Jessie held her first great-grandson recently on her lap giving him a big hug and kiss and saying, ‘I love you’. 

Jessie's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her laughter, her love of life and family, her faith, and her ability to make everyone feel cherished and welcomed, will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Jessie is survived by her sons, Dennis Klumpers, and Greg (Christine) Klumpers and daughters, Glenda (George II / ‘Rusty’) Savoy; Coleen (Scott) Ciliske; Donna (Thomas) Bambrough; and Kim (Jeff) Abler. Jessie’s love will be forever held in the hearts of her 12 grandchildren: George III (‘Geordon’), Jacob, Katherina, Isaac (Lauren) Savoy; Eric (Kaitlin) and Anna Ciliske; Ryan and Tyler Bambrough; Alex and Mackenzie Abler; Brock and Kennedy Klumpers; and great-grandson, Benjamin (Ben) Ciliske, as well as her numerous nieces and nephews; exchange daughter, Jackie (Neil) Pontin; and friends, who will miss her deeply and cherish every moment they spent in her nurturing embrace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Klumpers; mother, Jennie (Levey) Koopmans and father, Joe (Sjoerd) Koopmans; siblings, Richard (Elizabeth) Koopmans, John (Alma) Koopmans, Gerrit (Elsie) Koopmans, Winnie (Robert) Wiersma, and Theodore (Dorothy) Koopmans; and 11 nieces and nephews.

As we say goodbye to Jessie, we celebrate the life of a woman who was a beacon of kindness and love. Her legacy will be one of unwavering devotion to her family as a testament to the countless lives she touched and the beautiful life she lived. Jessie's memory will be treasured forever, as we hold her close in our hearts and remember the light she brought into this world.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Jessie's niece, Joanne Vaughan, whose unwavering love, guidance, and tender care brought immeasurable comfort to our mother in her final years. Joanne's devoted presence and compassionate spirit were true blessings that will never be forgotten. 

Memorial contributions can be directed to the ADRC

Click on the below link to stream the service..

https://www.youtube.com/c/altoreformedchurch