Betty Jane Klemm

Betty Jane Klemm of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved mother and grandmother went home to the Lord with her family by her side on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. She was 98 years old. Betty Jane Rowe was born on September 10, 1922, in Flushing, Michigan, to the late Cecil L. and Muda V. (Wood) Rowe. Betty was a proud graduate of Arthur Hill High School. As a teenager the family moved to Saginaw where she fell in love with her next-door neighbor, and love of her life, Leonard C. Klemm. They were united in marriage on July 12, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy during WWII. He preceded her in death on February 3, 2004. She was a longtime, faithful member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church. Betty and Leonard were actively involved in the community by volunteering their time at the Westside Senior Center. She avidly bowled three to four times a week at State Lanes and LaFevre’s Family Bowl until she was 88 years old, acquiring many trophies and awards throughout the years. Betty and Leonard loved to travel and were blessed to take many trips throughout the United States and Europe including: Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. She loved all cats but had an affinity toward helping strays in her neighborhood. Betty enjoyed gardening, springtime flowers, and tending to her large garden. She was a loving and devoted homemaker and daughter, having her parents live in the upstairs apartment of the family home. She will forever be remembered for her kindness and devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren, and for her self-sufficient, independent, and indomitable spirit.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Homestead Home Health Care Team and her hospice nurse Denise for all the love, care, and kindness they provided to Betty and her family.

Surviving are two children: Michael John (Joann) Klemm of Linwood; Susan Kay (Terry) Dobson of Saginaw; five grandchildren: Ron (Kristie) Miner, Laura (McCoy) Green, John (Samantha) Klemm, William (Megan) Miner, and Kimberly (Eric) Foss; 10 great-grandchildren: Taylar Klemm, Kaylee Green, Elizabeth Miner, Madelynne Miner, Alissa Wilder, Courtney Klemm, Matthew Miner, Aaliyah Bradley, Andrew Miner and Shelby Klemm; 10 step great-grandchildren: Tameshia Jackson, McCoy (Arnesha) Green Jr., Jasen (Kristan) Baird, Jacob Preston, Jessica Preston, Justin Preston, Paige Birchmeier, Sydney Birchmeier, Truett Foss, and William Foss; three step great-great-grandchildren: Sydney Lehner, Zarmina and Lillyana Baird. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a brother, Charles (Ruth) Rowe.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1020 Court Street. Rev. Julius Buelow will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Road, on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church Anniversary Fund or Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.