Walter Kleifgen
Walter Kleifgen , Age 94
Walter A. Kleifgen, DDS, age 94, of Baraboo, Wisconsin passed away on June 27, 2023. He was born to Anton and Anna Kleifgen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 4, 1928.
He moved to Pittsville, Wisconsin with his father and older brother Karl in 1932, after his mother passed away. His father owned the bakery in Pittsville and at age 14 Walter was the delivery driver for surrounding farms and businesses.
While attending Pittsville High School he played on the basketball team. As a sophomore Walter met his future wife Mary Evenson when she moved to Pittsville. As lead in the annual play, where a kiss would be required, Walter could choose his leading lady and he chose Mary. Dad said he was so nervous he couldnt bring himself to practice the kiss with her. So, their first kiss was on opening night. They married on October 9, 1953 in Pittsville - a union that lasted 48 years until Marys death in January, 2002.
Walter attended University of Wisconsin Madison, University of St. Thomas St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from Marquette Dental School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1954. He then joined the Army and was stationed for two years at Fort Lawton in Seattle, Washington. After honorable discharge, he practiced dentistry in Fort Atkinson for 39 years and retired in 1996.
Walters passion was playing golf. He began golfing when he moved to Fort Atkinson in 1957 and played his last round at age 92. Wednesday afternoons, many summer evenings and weekends were spent at the Koshkonong Mounds and the Lake Ripley Country Club. Although he was a dentist by profession, he was a coach at heart. He loved to share his knowledge and stories of basketball, baseball, football and golf, golf and golf.
Walter is survived by children Karl (Barb) Kleifgen, Kay Kleifgen, Paul Kleifgen, Leslie (Dan) Jorgensen, grandson Neal Kleifgen, brothers Tony (Carolyn) Kleifgen and Richard (Donella) Kleifgen, along with nieces and nephews. Walter was predeceased by his wife Mary and son Kurt.
Walter requested no service. He will be buried in St. Joachim Cemetery in Pittsville.
The family would like to thank the staff of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo and Agrace Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate care of our father. Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo is assisting the family.
Condolences
Mark & JoAnn Bickle June 29, 2023
friend Fort Atkinson , Wisconsin
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Many memories of your dad heading out to the Mound's on the weekend. Leslie I remember you saying if you wanted time with your dad you needed to go golfing with him. Golf it definitely was.
Ann Engelman June 29, 2023
Fort Arkinson friend Fort Atkinson , Wisconsin
Sending sincere sympathies on the passing of Walt. When we first moved to Fort Arkinson, we knew we would always live in the Kleifgen house, which is how it was always identified. When asked, “Where do you live?†We could just say, “the Kleifgen house.†Instant recognition and several said they had played here with the kids. We met Walt, he generously shared pictures of the house with us. Should any of the kids want to stop by please do. Best wishes to the Kleifgen family.
Bob Biege June 29, 2023
Good friend at Oak ParkI Baraboo , Wisconsin
I was fortunate to have Walter as a good friend at Oak Park for his last 2 years. They don't make them like Walter anymore. He was classy, witty, very caring of others and a great story teller. We talked daily and he always made one feel better after.sharing some time with him. His entire family had come for Father's Day and so they were able to stay with him till he finished "the back nine " as he put it. He will be missed by many and we all will share the same thoughts...It was a great privilege knowing Walter.
Brad Biege June 30, 2023
Acquaintance High Point , North Carolina
My condolences to the Kleifgen family. I had the pleasure of meeting Walter while visiting my father. A gentleman that was a great conversationalist, kind, and had a sense of humor. I’m sure he will be missed all at Oak Park and those he touched.
Jacob Kaldenberg June 30, 2023
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
For the short time i knew Walter from oak park place he made an impact on my life. Walter cracked a joke almost everyday when i would see him. He knew what to say and when, Walter will be missed dearly by me and addison and many other of his “acquaintancesâ€
Jacob Kaldenberg July 01, 2023
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
For the short time i knew Walter from oak park place he made an impact on my life. Walter cracked a joke almost everyday when i would see him. He knew what to say and when, Walter will be missed dearly by me and addison and many other of his “acquaintancesâ€
John & Karen Stelse (Haubenschild) July 01, 2023
Former Employee Fort Atkinson , Wisconsin
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was an amazing dentist, boss, and man. He will be deeply missed.