Kleist, MelvaMelva Kleist was called home on September 4, 2017. She was born to Otto and Lona (Handrich) Zuege on March 19, 1922 on the family farm near Saxeville, WI. She attended the State Grade School in Saxeville and graduated from Wild Rose High School as valedictorian. She then graduated from the Oshkosh State Teachers College and at the age of 19, she began her teaching career at the Wendt Rural School near West Bloomfield, Wisconsin. On June 10, 1944, she married Orin Kleist of Almond at Peace Lutheran Church in Wautoma. They lived on the family farm in Oasis Township in Waushara County shortly thereafter. They were very active members of St. John's Lutheran Church of Almond during their 68 years of marriage, and Melva was active in the Ladies Aid, serving on many committees, including quilting and the funeral committee. She also was involved as a director and teacher of their VBS program. She and Orin traveled to many LWML church conventions including to Charlotte, North Carolina where Melva was a delegate. Teaching was Melva's life's work, whether it was her students from school, members of her church and community, or the many children of her family and friends. She taught grades 3 and 4 at Wautoma for 2½ years after her marriage. Their son, Thomas Orin, was born on May 21, 1946 and Melva stayed home with him until he was old enough to go to school. While substitute teaching at local schools she went to summer school to finish her Bachelor's Degree in Reading at UW- Stevens Point. When Tom was in first grade, Melva returned to teaching in a first grade classroom in Plainfield. The next fall she began teaching third grade in the Tri-County School District in Plainfield where she taught for 14 years. While in summer school working on her Master's Degree in Reading at UW-River Falls, she was honored when CESA 8-Appleton hired her along with 29 other educators from all over the USA to design a federal project to develop a curriculum to help remedial readers achieve success. While working for CESA she was hired as a reading specialist for the Weyauwega-Fremont School District. Mrs. Kleist is most fondly remembered as the "RIF Lady" as she implemented the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program at Weyauwega-Fremont. She continued teaching until her retirement in May 1987. Melva dedicated her life to education for over forty years, and made a difference in the lives of countless students. For several years she served as a proofreader for the Wisconsin State Reading Journal. She served as nominating chairperson for the WSRA for many years. She held officer positions for St. John's Ladies Aid, Central Wisconsin Reading Council, Steven Point Area Retired Teachers Association, Almond Historical Society, Weyauwega-Fremont Retirees Spring Luncheon, Wild Rose Over 50 Club, and the Almond Needler's (quilting club). She was honored in 2017 by The Over 50 Club for serving as president of the organization for 30 years. After retirement, Melva enjoyed traveling with Orin in their truck camper. They traveled throughout the United States, even visiting Mexico and Canada. They especially enjoyed their trips to Branson, Yellowstone, the Black Hills, and Nashville. It was a highlight for each of the grandchildren to join them on a traveling adventure. Some of the fondest memories from her grandchildren range from playing cards at the kitchen table after supper and having root beer floats before bed. She taught her great-grandchildren to make her deviled eggs, homemade caramel corn, and her sherbert punch, all of which were "must haves" for her great-grandkids. Of all her accomplishments and adventures, her greatest joy was spending time with her 6 great-grandchildren. Many will remember her for her giving and gracious heart. Melva's many jars of her famous homemade chicken soup and many dozens of cookies were shared with all. She willingly and unselfishly gave her time to anyone who needed it. Melva has kept in contact with many of her former students. She was so pleased to hear from a student from her very first year of teaching. This year she received a bouquet from a third grader she had in Plainfield 65 years ago! In the summer of 2012 she and Orin moved to Elkhorn to be closer to their son and family. Orin passed away on October 7, 2012 following a short illness. Melva is survived by her son Tom (Karen) Kleist. Her three grandchildren, Katie (Tom) Librizzi, Jeff (Jen) Kleist, and Chris (Danielle) Kleist; six great-grandchildren, Krystal and Brianna Librizzi, Madelyn and Jacob Kleist, and Eleanor and Emelia Kleist. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Melva was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, her parents, and her two brothers, Ardin and Carl. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 12 at 11am at St. John's Lutheran Church in Almond, WI. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday evening from 4pm-7pm and prior to her service on Tuesday from 9:30am -10:45 am. Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. To share a special memory with Melva's family please visit www.hollyfuneralhome.com.