William "Bill" Klemp

William “Bill” Klemp passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 84, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. In

recent years he struggled with debilitation due to severe arthritis and pain. He faced these challenges

with courage and a positive attitude to the end, surrounded by family and friends.

Bill was born on January 25, 1940, to Oliver Emil Klemp and Helen Anna, nee Deppisch,Klemp in

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from West Bend High School in 1958, Bill obtained a business

degree from Marquette University, where he met Nancy, his loving bride of 62 years. Bill worked for

Harley Davidson for 24 years as a supply chain manager, where his passion for vehicles flourished. Bill

was active in autocross racing and a director of the Cadillac LaSalle Club, Badger Region, where he

devoted substantial time to planning driving tours and coordinating the International Conference in

2015. Bill also spent time volunteering at St. Claire’s Church teaching CCD, and at St. Joseph’s

Waukesha assisting with the meal program.

Bill and Nancy loved to plan and organize trips in the U.S. and abroad. They achieved visiting 49 of

the 50 states, missing Alaska. Nancy’s sister Tish and brother-in-law Chuck were their favorite

traveling companions. Some of their most memorable trips include their travels to China, and Europe,

and, especially, driving in Italy!

Everyone who knew Bill knew how much he enjoyed a happy hour, filled with conversation with family,

friends and neighbors, where he could be seen grilling and serving tenderloin sandwiches with a

Woodford bourbon or Beefeater martini in hand. Bill, also known as “cookie monster” by his family, was

never known to turn down a cookie, nor chocolate, black licorice, or shrimp cocktail for that matter!

While Bill was an avid reader of mystery thrillers and a crossword puzzle aficionado, his favorite

pastime was spending time with his grandkids. He hosted game-filled sleepovers, where the highlight

was grits, monkey bread, or pancakes for breakfast.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Oliver and Helen Klemp and his brother, Robert N. Klemp. He is

survived by his wife, Nancy L., nee Laufersweiler, Klemp, his children Stephanie S. Janicki (Thomas C.

Janicki) and Andrew W. Klemp (Victoria Sanchez-Klemp), his grandchildren Emma L. Janicki (fiancé

Vince Natalizio), John T. Janicki and Zander W. Klemp, his sister Mary Klemp (Joseph Kadunc) and

many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews.

Bill will always be remembered as a man of integrity, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Though often referred to as the family curmudgeon, he could forgive and forget easily and had an

excellent sense of humor. He will be dearly missed. He lived a full and happy life. Bill deeply

appreciated the dedicated care he received during his time at Shorehaven.

Services will be held at Shorehaven Chapel, 1305 W Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, on

Saturday, June 8. 2024, visitation beginning at 10am with service at 12:00pm. Funeral arrangements

are being handled by Pagenkopfs Funeral Home, Oconomowoc. In lieu of flowers, the family requests

donations be made to Shorehaven or the Oconomowoc Food Pantry.