Margaret R. Klapperich

Margaret Klapperich, age 87, of Ripon, passed away at her home on Tuesday, February 25,2025.  Margaret was born on July 29, 1937, in Marytown, WI; the daughter of Melvin and Josephine (Wendel) Klapperich. She graduated from New Holstein High School and received her master’s degree in art education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Margaret was an Art Teacher for Ripon public schools, Ripon College, and Moraine Park Technical College before retiring in 1998.

Margaret is survived by two sisters and four brothers: Marian Klapperich and Leah Klapperich-Mueller, both of Milwaukee, WI; James and Diana (Juenger) Klapperich of Fond du Lac, WI; John and Terry Klapperich of Wichita, KS: Joseph and Cindy (Kracht) Klapperich of Kiel, WI; Theodore and Anne (Hand) Klapperich, of Kiel, WI, and many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and two older siblings: Michael Klapperich of Fond du Lac, WI; and Jacqueline (Klapperich) Jeanty of Kiel, WI.

Margaret loved being part of the Ripon community. In her recent years of retirement, a highlight of her week included meeting friends and multi generations of former students at the Senior Center and/or the Tuesday evening Ripon church suppers. As long as she could, she loved exploring Ripon’s rich background at the Historical Society, participating in the Educational Club of Ripon, gatherings of the Green Lake Area Retired Educators Association, and the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association.  

As everyone who knows her will attest, two of her great loves were her many years of teaching (especially her high school students) and traveling the world. For many family members, it is common experience to be asked by strangers if we are related to “Miss K” when seeing or hearing the Klapperich name. As she taught her students, Margaret loved exploring new ideas, art, and cultures from anywhere in the world. One of her specialties which greatly symbolized her life, was her ability to weave on all types of looms. From the time of her father’s passing in 1958 when she assumed multiple responsibilities that wove siblings and family together, to the larger community of students, educators, and current friends, she “wove” friendships that created deep and lasting connections.

We’ll miss you, Margaret!

Per the wishes of Margaret, cremation has taken place with no services. Her wish is to have her cremated remains scattered on the family farm in Marytown, WI.

Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is serving the Klapperich family. Divinepassagefunerals.com

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