Joanne C. Kletzke

Joanne (Quillin) Kletzke, 71, of Brownsville, MN was given her Angel Wings on Thursday, August 8, 2024. She was born September 6, 1952, to Giles and Estelle (Traversey) Quillin in La Crosse, WI and raised in Brownsville, MN, where she lived her entire life. Joanne attended and graduated from La Crescent High School. Joanne married the one and only love of her life, Gail, on June 13, 1974. She worked at Mayo Health System in financial services for 34 years and, most recently, part-time at the Hokah library.

Joanne cherished spending time with family and friends, taking trips to the casino with her sidekick and life-long friends, shopping with her sisters, playing cards and games with friends, and Monday nights with the bingo crew. Most importantly, she could not be happier when she spent time with her children and grandkids who brought her so much joy.

Joanne was a force of nature, with a heart of gold and a sharp wit. She was fiery, funny, and fearless and lived life to the fullest. The most loyal friend, a fierce advocate, and a laugh-out-loud companion, Joanne was one of a kind. She had a generous soul with an extraordinary ability to connect with people, Joanne's presence was a gift for those lucky enough to know her and be loved by her.

Joanne is survived by her loving children Nicki Ranzenberger and Josh Kletzke, two precious grandchildren, Emma and Brody Ranzenberger, who she loved with all of her being, her sisters Kathy Phillips of Brownsville, and Nancy (Bill) Kohlmeyer of La Crescent, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We cannot forget her most faithful dog, Brady, who followed her everywhere.

Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, Gail, parents Giles and Estelle Quillin, father and mother-in-law Edward and Anna Kletzke, brothers-in-law Dave Phillips, Ed (Betty) Kletzke, Bob (Betty) Kletzke, and sisters-in-laws Cil (Dale) Reinhart, Vivian (John) Theobald, Mildred (Vernon) Fitzpatrick, and Karine Hanson.

Our family would like to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Franta at Mayo Health System along with the ICU and Palliative Care teams at Gundersen Health System.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, 8/21, 4-7 p.m. at Breza Hall (St. Patrick’s Church) in Brownsville, MN.

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