Yvonne Marie Klappa

Yvonne Marie Klappa, 77 of Rhinelander, passed peacefully, comforted by her strong faith in God on Friday, July 21 at Milestone Living Center in Woodruff, with her family by her side. Yvonne was born on July 26, 1945 in Margarita, Panama Canal Zone the daughter of Jules and Sylvia Lelaidier. She grew up in the Panama Canal Zone and graduated from Incarnate World College in San Antonio, with a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

Following college, she moved to Germany and worked as a nurse at 2nd General Hospital in Landstuhl. During this time, she made many lifelong friends and traveled and photographed Europe extensively. She met Wayne Klappa and they were married in 1970 until 1985 when they divorced.

Yvonne was passionate about her calling as a nurse, bringing joy to her patients and coworkers. Her career included registered nurse positions in nearly every setting, ranging from hospital floors to public health and hospice in Chicago, Menominee Falls, the Northwoods of Wisconsin, St. Augustine Fla., and St. Paul. After retiring from nursing, she worked as a tour guide at the Science Museum of Minnesota until she moved to Rhinelander in 2015.

Yvonne was very active with the ADRC Senior Center, Art Start, YMCA, Library and Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Rhinelander. She enjoyed walking and finding other creative ways to stay active and fit. Other hobbies included playing the ukulele and speaking Spanish.

She is survived by her son Paul (Jamie) Klappa of Woodruff, and by her grandchildren Adam, Ryan, Jenna and Owen and by her sisters Gloria Lelaidier and Cecelia O’Neill both of St. Augustine, Fla.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents Jules and Sylvia Lelaidier and her brother Richard Lelaidier.

A funeral service for Yvonne will be held on Wednesday, July 26 at 5 p.m. at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, with a visitation from 4 p.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Woodruff, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Art Start, 68 S Stevens Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501.