FreeRide!

Finally recovering from last weekend’s FreeRide bicycle ride. I think I know what day it is now. Zito did a wonderful job organizing the outing. A slow ride through town with frequent breaks for liquid refreshments. A stop in the woods and many other bike-friendly spots. The obligatory roundy-round derby at One-on-One, sharpen up those elbows. Fixed gear skidding contest. And a world record for polishing off a half-barrel of Schell’s. I never saw that tap close in its short 20 minute life.

I’ve concluded free beer and cycling mix just fine. It’s just morning afters that don’t!

Mom's Obit

Jean, at left, with siblings in the early 1930's.

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Jean M. Klussendorf, 79, died peacefully August 3rd in her home in Stevens Point. Watched over by her four children and accepted into the arms of God.

Born Jean Lorraine Monson near Wiota, Wisconsin on June 1, 1927 to Ted and Ona Monson. Along with twin sister June, Jean grew up on a small farm in southwest Wisconsin. Her early years saw modest rewards from hard work. Christmas may have earned her a first pair of store-bought bloomers and a special meal. Jean learned the values of dedication, community and modesty.

Jean’s intelligence, graciousness and enthusiasm served her well. She became president of her nursing school class in 1948. She later earned the position of head nurse of her wing at Saint Michaels Hospital in Stevens Point. Jean ran a successful downtown business for years with partner and friend Shirley Jahnke; the Four Winds Gift Shop.

Jean was dedicated to family. She traveled with husband Jack for decades while he served in the Army. Along the way, she raised four children, sheparding them from base-to-base and country-to-country. The high potential for family-caused international incidents was never fulfilled under Jean’s watch. When Jack passed on in 1973, leaving Jean with four teenagers, she didn’t miss a beat. She never questioned and never complained.

Jean was a proud and supportive mother. She saw the best in each of her children. And Jean was the happiest of grandmothers.

Jean deeply valued her friends and their friendships. She celebrated their triumphs as she would her own. And she was touched equally by their tragedies.

Jean served her Church and her community with enthusiasm and pride.

Jean was ever light-hearted, quick to laugh and happy to engage in a social round of cards. Or, should you prefer, she was always ready for a clear-eyed discussion of world events.

Jean was kind and caring to all. She made the world a better place.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband John (Jack) Raymond Klussendorf.

Jean is survived by brothers Donald (Gratiot), Roger (Darlington) and Robert (Janesville). Her four children and eight grandchildren: Judith and children Hanna and David, Kurt, Karen and children Kyle, Catlyn and Max, Joan and children Jacob, Aaron and Rachel.