Marcella Klaphake

Marcella M. "Sally" Klaphake, age 83 of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by her family after a yearlong battle with cancer on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at her home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating, Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating, and Deacon Ernie Kociemba assisting. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Marcella Margaret Uphoff was born December 28, 1931 in New Munich, Minnesota to Joseph and Elizabeth (Wiebolt) Uphoff. Sally attended country school and worked at St. Michael's Hospital in Sauk Centre in the housekeeping department. On September 14, 1954 she was united in marriage to Gilbert Klaphake at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. After marriage, Sally spent her time raising her family on their farm and passing down some of her wonderful traits, such as her sense of humor and playing cards. She also volunteered by delivering meals for Meals on Wheels for over 20 years.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, Christian Mothers, and St. Elizabeth's Society. Sally enjoyed working word find puzzles, embroidering, and listening to music. She had a green thumb and was very proud of her flowers that she grew. Sally enjoyed spending time at the cabin on Little Birch Lake, but most of all, loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her loving husband of 60+ years, Gilbert Klaphake of Melrose; children, Rick (Deb) Klaphake of Melrose, Diane (Mark) Frieler of Sauk Rapids, Laura (Mike) Meyer of Melrose, and Leon (Mary) Klaphake of Melrose; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Agnes Maus of Melrose.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents; brothers and sister, Raymond Uphoff, Alfred Uphoff, Silverious Uphoff, and Marie Rademacher.

Serving as casket bearers will be Autum Helmin, Pete Klaphake, Karen Rieland, Jason Frieler, Nathan Frieler, Josh Meyer, Ashley Herdering, and Chris Klaphake. Cross bearer will be Kayla Meyer and scripture bearer will be Jordan Helmin. Honorary bearers will be Mary Ann Wenker, Ruth Braegelmann, Laurel Enneking, Char Petermeier, Bernie Winter, Rita Gerding, Bernie Sieben, Rosie Welle, Pat Moening, Ruth Traeger, Geri Meyer, Rosie Osendorf, Donna Dufner, Mary Kay Ersland, Lorraine Stalboerger, and Alice Breitbach.