Therese E. Klaas

LANCASTER - Therese Elizabeth Klaas, age 67, of Lancaster passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Therese was born on January 13, 1956, in Lancaster, the daughter of Joseph and Wilma (Reuter) Fuerstenberg. She was united in marriage to Mark Klaas on May 2, 1981, in Lancaster, WI. She grew up with her loving parents, six brothers and four sisters. Therese was the eighth of twelve children and raised on a farm in Fennimore, WI. She cherished the outdoors, learned to work hard, and understood at a young age to never say you are bored. It was the best place to be raised. She graduated from Fennimore High School in 1974. Therese was employed at Orchard Manor for eight years in the housekeeping department before getting married. She also did photography for 30 years, which she enjoyed immensely. At the age of twenty-three, she trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and accepted His free gift of salvation.

Therese was not a perfect person, but she desired to live for God all her days. She was a member of the Potosi Community Bible Church, and a Sunday School teacher for many years. Mark and Therese were blessed with three daughters, whom she homeschooled all the way through High School, with lots of prayers, and the Grace of God. Children are a gift from God! Therese loved and supported her family. Watching her family grow and playing with her grandchildren was always a blessing and a priority. Therese went home to meet her Savior on September 4, 2023, surrounded by her faithful husband, and three beautiful daughters. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband Mark, and three daughters: Sarah (Uriah) Johnson, Amanda (Micah) Johnson, and Tiffany (Tyrone) Thompson. Eight grandchildren: Ian, Emma, Audra and Alayna, children of Sarah and Uriah. Jace, Kade, and Briar, children of Amanda and Micah. Alani, daughter of Tiffany and Tyrone. Siblings: Mary Jeardeau, Dave (Patty) Fuerstenberg, Linda (William) Armbruster, Shirley (Mark) Manning, John (Shari) Fuerstenberg, Joe (Debbie) Fuerstenberg, Randy Fuerstenberg, Paul (LuAnn) Fuerstenberg, and Keith (Terri) Fuerstenberg. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Therese is preceded in death by parents: Joe and Wilma (Reuter) Fuerstenberg, sisters, Veronica (Connie) Rose and Patricia Mary, an infant brother, brother-in-law Ron Jeardeau, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Aelred and Katie (Washa) Klaas. Grandparents: Anna (Meyer) and John Fuerstenberg, and John and Rose (Wunderlin) Reuter.

A Celebration of Therese’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Community Evangelical Free Church in Platteville, WI with Pastor Doug Weaver officiating. A time for food and fellowship will take place immediately following the services.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory of Lancaster will be assisting the family.