Jean Marie Klimowski

Jean Marie Klimowski, age 74, of Phillips, Wisconsin, died November 18, 2024 at the family farm. Jean was born June 14, 1950, to Anthony and Geraldine Schuh in Marshfield, WI. She grew up in Colby, WI, attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Colby High School. She then went on to attend the Metropolitan Business College in Milwaukee, WI. It was during this time that she met her first husband Jack Nelson. They married on April 12, 1969. They had two daughters Lara and Dana. After 11 years of marriage, they divorced. A few years later Jean met Tom Klimowski, while visiting her cousin’s resort in Phillips, WI. Soo Lake Resort would be their first chance meeting which led to a 36-year marriage and their son John. They married on October 29, 1983. Over the years, Jean worked a variety of jobs. She was a key punch operator at Guantanamo Bay Naval base and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories, Berkeley, CA. She worked in Phillips at the Price County Human Services Department, County Clerk Office, Forestry Department, and the Veteran’s Service Office. She retired in 2016.

Jean was very active in the community. She served as the Price County Salvation Army Chairman from 1991 – 2024. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 2004 and served as president for 12 years. She was on the Friends of Fred Smith Board from 1996 – 2024 and an active member of the Phillips Moose Lodge. She had been a VFW Auxiliary member for 20 plus years, a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, Nutritional Advisory Committee, St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Therese of Lisieux Church Council member and former choir member. Her hobbies included sewing, crafting, and gardening.

Jean is survived by her children: Lara (David) McKay, Dana (Kelly) McCullah, and John Klimowski; grandchildren: Cole Retzlaff, Caitlyn and Caleb McCullah; great-grandchildren Bradley and Della Jean Retzlaff; siblings: Judy (Lee) Underwood, Lois Asplund, Larry (Patsy) Schuh, Nancy Brown and Thomas Schuh; in-laws: Marge (Jeff) Reinke, Kathy Klimowski and Diana (Chris) Klimowski-McCrackin. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Tom Klimowski; ex-husband Jack Nelson; parents Anthony and Geraldine Schuh; brothers: Roger, Richard, and Brian Schuh; in-laws: John and Alice Klimowski, Barbara Schuh, Jim Asplund, Steve Brown, Sylvia Schuh, and Edward Klimowski.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Phillips, WI. Visitation will start at 9:00am and continue until the time of the service. Inurnment at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery will follow services. A luncheon will be held at the Phillips VFW.