Claudette L. Cleereman

Claudette Louise (Langenfeld) Cleereman (known as Claudie), 86, of De Pere passed away peacefully surrounded by her children Tuesday April 5, 2022.

Claudette was born on October 14, 1935, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Claude and Angeline (Gregel) Langenfeld. She married Henry Charles Cleereman on June 16, 1956, in De Pere. Claudette graduated from De Pere High School in 1955. Soon after, she began to raise a family with her husband Henry. Following the birth of their 5th child, Henry tragically passed away after a long battle with cancer. Despite facing tremendous difficulty in raising five kids between the ages of 8 and 1, Claudette’s will persisted. Through the love only a mother can possess and alongside the help of family and friends, she did an extraordinary job. At age 45, with her children out of the house and into college, Claudette went on to pursue studies in restaurant/hotel and food service management and graduated with a double major from the Fox Valley Technical Institute in Appleton. She received numerous awards from the Fox Valley Culinary Shows for the puff pastries and desserts she created. After her studies, Claudette became the head pastry chef at the former Embassy Suites in Green Bay where she was known for spearheading and creating the famous gingerbread village display in the 1980s. Claudette was best known for her famous cheesecakes, desserts and breads that were featured at the Black & Tan Grille in Green Bay and Appleton. In addition, she traveled to Door County delivering her scrumptious desserts known as “Cheesecakes by Claudette” to local restaurants. Food purveyors would often find out quickly that her high standards of quality were second to none–Claudette NEVER took shortcuts with her cooking! In 1988 she agreed to become the Head Chef for her daughter and son-in-law when they began as owners of the Swan Club in De Pere. In the following 32 years –from 1988 until 2020– Claudette would be found doing what she did best: creating delicious food and bringing out the most cheerful smiles from every coworker she encountered! If Claudie wasn’t busy making food, you would find her living a life full of joy and always sought to uplift family and friends in need. Though her stature was small, her presence would always be that of an anchor for those she loved. Claudette will be remembered for her strength, passion, quick wit, lively spirit, unmatchable humor, and above all else, for her love of family. Whether it was travelling and attending the numerous school and sporting events over the years, you couldn’t keep Claudie from supporting and cheering on her grandchildren especially during her last month of life.

Claudette is survived by her children; Karen Cleereman (De Pere), Sue Cleereman (California), Charles (Theresa) Cleereman (Plainfield) and Ann (Greg) DeCleene (De Pere). Her grandchildren; Kimberly Cleereman, Melissa (Christopher) Turzinski, Jake (Katie) DeCleene, Hank Cleereman, Alex DeCleene, Jackie Cleereman, Griffin Cleereman, Austin DeCleene, Rebecca Cleereman, Nick DeCleene, Max Cleereman, Claude Cleereman and Olivia DeCleene. Great-grandchildren, Aria and Cameron Turzinski. Her sister Marlene (Jack) Wilmet, nephews John and Doug Wilmet and niece Debbie Marchant. Her brother-in-law John (Linda) Cleereman.

Claudette is preceded in death by her husband Henry, her son Henry Joseph, her parents Claude and Angeline, her niece Laurie Wilmet, her parent-in-laws Henry and Hildegarde Cleereman, her sister-in-law Barbara (Cleereman) Lee Willie, and her beloved dog Lucy.

Visitation for Claudette will be held on Saturday April 9, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish (4805 Sportsman Dr. De Pere) followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. with Father Matt Faucett officiating.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring staff from Renaissance De Pere, her provider Paula Ferron, and the caregivers from Unity Hospice and Home Instead.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Claudie’s name.

Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.