Marlene Klaphake

Marlene E. Klaphake, age 72 of Sauk Centre, died unexpectedly April 1, 2013 at the CentraCare Health Systems Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 4 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Todd Schneider officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church in Sauk Centre. Christian Mothers will pray at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Marlene Elizabeth Ritter was born August 5, 1940 in Birchdale Township, Todd County to Paul and Rose (Minette) Ritter. She attended country school and Sauk Centre High School. Marlene was secretary at the Sauk Centre High School. She married Edward Klaphake on July 8, 1959 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Ward Springs, Minnesota. Marlene worked side by side with her husband on their farm southeast of Sauk Centre and raised eleven children. She was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and served as a parish council member. She also belonged to the Christian Mothers for 47 years.

Marlene enjoyed quilting, playing cards, gardening, canning, babysitting and attending her grandchildren's school and church events.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Ed Klaphake of Sauk Centre; children, Charles Klaphake, JoAnn (Bob) Kohorst, Mary (Brian) Borgerding, Sharon (Rod) Hanson, Jim (Carol) Klaphake, Ron (Amy) Klaphake, Mark (Jennifer) Klaphake, Linda (Chad) Gamradt, Dan (special friend, LeAnna Davis) Klaphake, Paul (Traci) Klaphake and Jason Klaphake all of Sauk Centre; 22 grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Rosie (Don) Pflipsen, Leonard (Rosie) Ritter, Marcy (Wallace) Czech, Ken (Rita) Ritter; sisters-in-law, Dorothea Ritter and Carole Ritter.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Delbert Ritter and Ervin Ritter.

Serving as casket bearers will be Marlene's sons, Charles, Jim, Ron, Mark, Dan, Paul and Jason. Serving as cross bearer will be Brandon Borgerding and scripture bearer will be Jarrett Borgerding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Holy Family School in Sauk Centre.