Florence A. Klafka

Klafka, Florence Anna (nee Korzeniewski) Age 84, died Thursday, March 21, 2007 at Clement Manor Health Center,surrounded by her family. She was born on June 8, 1922 to Anton and Veronica (Hordyk) Korzeniewski. A lifelong Milwaukee resident, Florence graduated from Pulaski High School in 1940. On June 15, 1946, she married Leonard Klafka, and began her life’s work of making a home for him, and as time went by, for their seven children. A multi-tasker before the word existed, Florence was always on the go fulfilling the needs of her family. She was an avid sewer, knitter, and crocheter, creating hundreds of crafts over the course of her life. Out of necessity, Florence was a keen bargain hunter, rising enthusiastically to the challenge of making much from little. She was an active member of St. Gerard’s, and later Mary Queen of Heaven parish, organizing festivals, teaching religious studies, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Her flower gardens were as fruitful and beautiful as her family. In every area of her life, Florence was the person others turned to when they wanted to get the job done, and done well, with a minimum of fuss, bother, and expense. She gave of herself fully in whatever she did. In their active retirement, she and Leonard organized reunions for Leonard’s army veterans, as well as spending time with their grandchildren, and quiet moments at their trailer near Blue Lake. Slowed by ill health in her last decade, Florence still welcomed the arrival of each grandchild and great-grandchild, and was a well-loved resident of Forest Ridge and Layton Terrace retirement communities. A modest and selfless woman, a servant in the truest sense of the word, she loved and supported each member of her family unconditionally, and found her greatest joy in fulfilling her calling as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her seven children, Susan (Gary) Skudlarczyk, David (Shirley), Richard (Mary Lynn), Dennis (Jackie), Steven (Ann), Patricia (Mark) Kostreva and Jeffrey (Christine); fourteen grandchildren, Eric & Jason (Jessie) Skudlarczyk, Holly (Peter) Bartell, Peter (Charlene) Klafka, Richard Klafka, Sarah (Thomas) Sadler, Michael (Deanna) Klafka, Katarina & Josef Klafka, Olivia, Samuel & Grace Kostreva, and Samantha & Ian Klafka; and five great-grandchildren, Austin & Brynn Bartell, Mason & Madeline Klafka, and Jack Sadler, as well as by a brother, George Korzeniewski, and two sisters, Dorothy (Robert) Teska, and Charlotte (James) Schwartz. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 55 years, Leonard Klafka,and two brothers, Edward and Bernard Korzeniewski. Mass of Christian Burial Monday March 26, 2007 10 AM at MARY QUEEN OF HEAVEN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2322 S. 106th Street, West Allis. PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH ON MONDAY. Interment beside her husband Leonard, a World War II Veteran, in Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove. Please meet at cemetery on Tuesday 9:30 AM for committal prayers. Visitation Sunday 1-5 PM at the Funeral Home.