Faye Klasen

On January 27, 2026, Faye (Winnekins) Klasen passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness. She was born on October 11, 1936, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the late Ralph and Mary (Martell) Winnekins. On May 26, 1956, she married the love of her life, Ralph Klasen, and nine months later they welcomed the first of their four children. Family was the center of Faye’s world, and her greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother to her beloved family of 37. Many grandchildren recently said, “I was her favorite!”. This is a testament to her remarkable gift for making every person feel uniquely cherished. Christmas Eve was her masterpiece: filled with incredible food, laughter, thoughtful gifts, and her famous “Happy Birthday Jesus” cakes.

Faye worked several places throughout her life, but she was especially proud of her years at Blazei’s (Super Ron’s, Olsen’s Piggly Wiggly). She built lasting friendships with co‑workers and customers alike. Her children often learned, much to their dismay, that customers had reported their childhood mischief. When asked how she knew, her answer was always the same: “A little birdie told me.”

A devoted member of St. John the Baptist Church in Howard, Faye found joy in singing in the choir, serving communion, playing cards with friends, and supporting her husband in church picnic and athletic club activities. Through these ministries, Faye and Ralph formed lifelong friendships that became like family. She loved entertaining, creating beautiful tables, and preparing meals that brought people together. She and Ralph traveled often with their close group of friends, with Jamaica being their favorite destination. They were known for saying, “Travel while you are young.”

Faye expressed love through food. She celebrated life’s joys and comforted others in sorrow by showing up with treats, especially her famous sugar cookies, green bread, deviled eggs, and glutnuts (peanut clusters). She delighted in baking for Ralph, who would jokingly say, “These are terrible. You can’t share these with anyone!” which was his playful way of keeping the treats all to himself.

Faye (affectionately called “Lovebugs” by Ralph) and Ralph, her “Lambchop”, are now reunited in heaven. Their children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren feel the deep ache of losing her, even as they celebrate the joy of their reunion. Just days before her passing, Faye was attending church, singing in the choir, and caring for her beloved grand‑dogs, Stormie and Maisey.

Faye was blessed with four children: Kevin Klasen, John (Jill) Klasen, Karen (Kevin) Klover, and Michelle (Paul) Dahlke. She was further blessed with her nine grandchildren: Kristen Klasen, Lauren (Max) Murphy, Kari (Paul) Klasen Lisi, Michael (Carmen) Klasen, Cory (Sara) Klover, Cara (Zackary) Sloden, Christine (Justin) Spettel, Chloe (Caleb) Johnson, and Carter Dahlke; and by her fourteen great‑grandchildren: Addyson Klasen, Jameson Murphy, Jackson Murphy (in heaven), Cordelia Lisi, Georgia Lisi, Amelia Klasen, Kennedy Klover, Rylee Klover, Hudson Klover, Morgan Klover, Finley Sloden, Landon Spettel, Lauren Spettel, and Liv Spettel.

Faye is further survived by her sisters-in-law, Shirley Champeau, Barbara Klasen, Lylas Peterson, and Joanne Winnekins; her dear friend of more than 50 years, Bob Wech; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Klasen, her parents, Ralph and Mary (Martell) Winnekins; her great‑grandson, Jackson Murphy; Ralph’s parents, Francis and Lillian (Mursau) Klasen; her beloved sisters—the “Winnekin girls”—Mary “Tootie” Servotte, Patricia “Pat” Vanden Avond, and Phyllis Van Lieshout; her brothers John Winnekins, Ralph “Bill” Winnekins Jr. Ralph’s brothers Roger Klasen and Reverend Thomas Klasen; brothers‑in‑law Arnold Servotte, Bernie Vanden Avond, Jim Van Lieshout, Glenn Champeau, and treasured travel companions of more than 50 years: Al and Delores Gerczak, Larry and Betty Anderkay, Doug and Lou Heroux, and Lois Wech.

Family and friends may call at St. John the Baptist Church, 2597 Glendale Avenue, Village of Howard, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. James Lucas. Faye will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Ralph, at Fort Howard Mausoleum in Green Bay.

Faye’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional caregivers at St. Mary’s Hospital emergency room and fifth floor team, Unity Hospice, Emelia Johnson, and Chloe Johnson. Faye and Ralph’s legacy of kindness, teamwork, gratitude, and love continues to shine through their family, who embodied these values with grace and strength during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial gifts to Unity Hospice (In Memory of Faye Klasen, 2366 Oak Ridge Circle, De Pere, WI 54115), to St. John the Baptist Church, or to a charitable organization of your choice.