Kim Klima

Butternut - Kim Q. Klima, age 71, passed away while holding the hand of his love-his wife of almost 50 years- on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born on December 11, 1944 to Roman and Virginia (Timian) Klima on the south side of Milwaukee. He attended South Division High School, where he reigned as quarterback of the football team and played with the best of them. He went on to UWM and Marquette, got his Associate's Degree, and began what would become his affinity for lifelong learning--falling in love with literature and anthropology and histories of any kind.

In the middle of his self-assembled liberal arts education, Kim made the best decision of his life. He walked into Pepe's Pizza and sauntered up to the table of a cute little blonde girl (and ate most of her dinner). He married that girl, Alice Susan Spath, two years later. On March 26, 1966, they began the half-century love story that we know will continue on into Glory.

Kim was well-loved at work as well as home. He got a job at Stark Candy Company in Pewaukee, WI in 1970 as Production Manager, and ended up the Plant Manager--loved by all, no matter what position they held in the factory. His career was cut short, however, by the diagnosis of cancer and the prognosis of two weeks to live. That was in 1985, when he was 40 years old. Clearly, they were wrong...and so began his next stint: that of Superman. This man survived cancer, kidney disease, different transplants, and any number of ailments...he kept on surviving. Living.

And, oh how fully he lived his life from those first years of becoming a self-made man. Not only was he going to be in a loving marriage and have a great career, but he set out to turn his city-boy roots into a man rooted in the wild, natural world. Early in their marriage, Kim and Alice spent their time camping and fishing and hunting--eventually buying his idyllic cabin on the Flambeau River. Every chance he got, this is where Kim disappeared to, whether getting away with his wife or sneaking up alone--packing up tag-along kids and dogs, or holing away with his brothers or nephews...this was his Eden. And he loved every wild moment of it.

And those days and nights at home, in his every day life, he read and he gardened, he carved decoys and painted beautiful scenes, he played racquetball as well as guitar; he sang to his kids and wrestled with his wife. He loved his time with his friends during its season, and, in turn, he treasured his season of solitude. He did something no man should have to do and buried his priceless son, with Alice staunchly and faithfully by his side, and he fought and he fought and he fought for peace after the world had flipped so terribly on its axis. And now, now he has finally found it. Rather, Peace has found him.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; his daughters, Kim (Vance) Cramer of Oconomowoc, WI, and Beth (Andrew) Culp of Madison, WI; his grandchildren Adyn, Eiljah, and Isaiah Cramer, and Violette, William, Audrianna, and Genevieve Culp. He is also survived by his brothers Keith (Lori) Klima, and Jeff (Lisa) Klima and his nieces and nephews, Patrick, Justin, Lindsay, Courtney, Ryan, and Lauren. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Klima.

We never wanted to say goodbye. We will love you all the rest of our days, until we see you again.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Salem Cemetery in Wales, WI. A Memorial Service and gathering will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 18 West, W325 S1767 Mickle Road, Delafield.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Kim by planting a tree in his honor; or sending a memorial to the Ruffed Grouse Society (451 McCormick Road, Coraopolis, PA, 15108.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff and physicians on the cardiology floor at UW Hospital in Madison for their wonderful care.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434