Beatrice Klein

Beatrice F. Klein passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022, just 3 weeks before her 104th birthday. Bea was born on July 19, 1918 to the late Anthony and Ida Hoffman. She was born during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic and lived through the Covid 19 Pandemic surviving both. Throughout her life, her faith and strength got her through many difficult times. Not even a broken back many years ago slowed her down.

Bea graduated from East High School as Valedictorian of her class at the age of 16. She continued her education at Marquette University graduating with a degree in Dental Hygiene at the age of 19. After graduating, she went to work for Dr. Melville Junion. She continued working until she had her first daughter becoming the ultimate stay at home Mom.

Bea married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Klein, on August 30, 1941 and they enjoyed nearly 72 years together until his passing on March 23, 2013. Together they built Mom's "dream home" in De Pere nearly 73 years where she continued to live for all those years. Home to Mom was making sure she was always there for her two daughters, Toni and Mary Jo, and the husbands, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that came along. Bea was never too busy or too tired to help when needed or to be there for school activities, dance recitals, school plays, and special milestones. Everyone received one of her handcrafted Christmas stockings and her many jeweled Christmas ornaments. She was a skilled seamstress making many a dress or outfit for her daughters and family members. She was frequently found in the kitchen cooking up one of our favorite meals or making her famous Christmas cutout cookies. Mom was always there day or night to hear our stories and hold our hand.

In their later years, Bea and Joe traveled to many interesting places along with their yearly trips to Washington D.C. and Copper Harbor, Michigan. Bea followed Joe on his many rock hunting expeditions into abandoned mines and other out of the way destinations. She was active in the Geology Club, Heritage Hill Associations, and Girl Scouts. Bea continually amazed people with her incredible memory and recollection of history well into her 100s.

Bea is survived by her two daughters, Toni (John Mongeau) De Pere. and Mary Jo Ostrowski Egg Harbor, seven grandchildren, Julie (William) Mui, Jennifer Etter, Heidi (Ben) Bloom, Hennah (Jeff) Fair, Katie (Tyson) Biwer, Krystal (Scott) Thorn, and John Mongeau, Jr. Nine great-grandchildren; Michael (Caysie) Schultz, Jacob Schultz, Grace Goh, Jeffrey Fair, Jr, Sophie Thorn, Holden Biwer, Jack Mui, Clifford (Jana) Mui, and Joe Mui., nieces and nephews, special cousin; Sue Dawson and special friends; Karen Ambrose, Ellen Mathison and Audrey Joswick.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; parents; in-laws Frank and Eva Klein; sons-in-law, Robert Etter, Jr. and Richard Ostrowski; sisters and brother-in-law, Beverly (James) Ashley, Lois (Orvin) Doede; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert (Betty) Klein, John (Jean) Klein, Mary (Ambrose) Kern; nephews and a niece, Mike Klein, Christopher Klein, and Connie Klein.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who cared for Bea and allowed her to remain in her home. A special thank you to Audrey and Karen (who cared for Bea and Joe for over 11 years), Carol, Sahari, and Olivia. An additional thank you to Home Instead, Dr. Richards and staff, Julie from Bellin Home Health, Heartland Home Health, Unity Hospice, and all the drivers who delivered her noon meals from ADRC. Thank you to all her neighbors that checked on Bea and offered their help when needed.

A private family funeral service to celebrate Bea's life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial fund for the Heart Association and Cancer Research has been established.