Jean Ella Klappstein

PORTAGE – Jean Ella Klappstein, age 83, of Portage, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Wisconsin Dells Health Services.

Jean was born on April 29, 1941, in Wisconsin, the daughter of Lester E. and Marion M. (Wolfram) Wakershauser. She was a devoted mother who loved her family dearly, always putting her children first. Jean was a long-time member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage where she was active in the Women’s Guild. She had worked at Portage Hosiery and Flambeau Plastics.

She is survived by her children, Brenda (Mark) Ailes, Pamela Scheel, Thomas (Pamela) Klappstein, and Daniel Klappstein; her grandchildren, Shane Klappstein, Cassie (Chris) Lawrence, and Jessica (Nick) Leahy; 8 great grandchildren; her brother, Harold Wakershauser; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donald; and her son-in-law, Douglas Scheel.  

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, with Rev. Rod Armon officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wisconsin Dells Health Services for their care and support.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.