Paul J. Klister

PAUL J. KLISTER, 87 of Wrightstown, passed away peacefully at his home with Betty, his loving wife of 65 years at his side. He was born to the late Elzear and Matilda (Van Eperen) Klister. He grew up the second child of the family, with three siblings and went to St. Paul Catholic School and Wrightstown High School. Paul served in the Army and after completing his deployment in Germany, he returned home and married his love, Betty Van Rossum at St. Paul Catholic Church in Wrightstown.

Survivors are his loving wife Betty, their children, whom he loved and made him very proud: Paul F. (Mary Jane) Klister, Julie Handrich, Kathie (Larry) Svabek, Steve (Susan) Klister, Brad (Karen) Klister and Korey (Lori) Klister. Additionally, Paul is survived by his grandchildren who were bright lights in his life: Bryan Klister, Zachary (Emily) Klister, Eric (Katelyn) Klister, Jake Klister, Kaitlin (Oliver Radcliffe) Svabek, Larry Svabek (Rose Owen), Jeremy (Abbey) Svabek, Jessica (Andy) Pennenberg, Karissa (Al) Keuler, Courtney (Josh) Wranosky, Douglas (Carlie) Klister, Mike (Pasamon) Baumann, Marisa (David Pintens) Klister, Ben Klister, Quincy Klister, Sydney Klister, Maya Klister and William Klister. Also survived by great-grandchildren who always brought a smile to his face: Graham, Hazel, James, Lucas, Lydia, Thomas, Sophie, Myles, Bennett, Payton, Raelynn, and six additions on the way. He is further survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in law: Gary Ebert, Tom (Pat) Van Rossum, Gerald Van Rossum, Carol Fink, Rose (Tom) Boylan, Janice Van Rossum and Marian Van De Hey, godchildren: Kristine (Klister) Wiedenhaup, Paula (Klister) Boylan, Sean Fink, Todd Van Rossum, Michelle Van Rossum.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law: Charlie and Harriet Van Rossum, brothers: Floyd Klister and Msgr. Roy Klister, sister: Myrna Ebert, brothers-in-law: Robert Van Rossum, Marv Van Rossum, Mark (infant) Van Rossum, Leon Fink and sisters-in-law: Jeanne (Floyd) Klister and Donna Van Rossum.

Paul was a kind, fun-loving family man with a strong faith in God. He was a life-long parishioner at St. Paul (later St. Clare) Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He worked at Thilmany Pulp & Paper in Kaukauna for 37 years, until retirement. He found satisfaction in several hobbies; working in his yard, gardening, fishing, playing cards, building his own gadgets like tip-ups and fixing things with his hands. Over his life time, Paul found enjoyment in all facets of sports; playing, coaching and spectating. He was a dedicated fan of the Packers, the Brewers, the Bucks and the Badgers. But hands-down, his favorite team to cheer for- was the Wrightstown High School Tigers, coached by his son.

Family and friends may visit at St. Clare Parish-St. Paul Site, Wrightstown, on Thursday, July 3, from 8:30am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Brian Wideman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please send checks or donations to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, 8915 W. Connell Ct, Milwaukee, WI 53226, On-line: https://chw.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/

OR

NICU at the Foundation at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, 835 S. Van Buren St, Green Bay WI 54301,

On-line: https://www.hshs.org/st-vincent-childrens/community/giving/donate click on the Designation: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.