Kelli Zimmerman-Klemp

Kelli Zimmerman-Klemp, age 52, passed away on July 20, 2024, at her home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin surrounded by her loving family after complications with a nearly 5-year battle with cervical cancer. 

 Kelli was born on February 20, 1972, in Fond du Lac, WI, to June (Ruecker) and Robert Zimmerman. She grew up in Lomira before moving to Fond du Lac for high school. She graduated from St. Mary's Springs High School in 1990. Kelli attended UW-Milwaukee, and worked and lived in Milwaukee where she met her husband, Andy. Kelli and Andy married on July 4, 2000, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. 

Kelli and Andy moved to Fond du Lac from Milwaukee shortly after they were married. Kelli obtained a degree from UW-Oshkosh and worked in educational administration. She most recently worked at Moraine Park Technical College in the Financial Aid office where she enjoyed her work, coworkers, and the newfound challenges. Kelli loved her work and home life spent with Andy and their “good girl” dog Freddy.

 Kelli was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, baking, gardening, and spending time with family and close friends. She was a strong, intelligent, talented, and beautiful woman. Kelli was direct in expressing her opinions and rejected insincerity. Her grace, passion and wit will be missed by all who were lucky to have known her. Kelli’s elegance and keen observation skills set her apart. It was never about her. She often had a wicked gleam in her eye as she cracked a joke that was understated. Throughout Kelli’s battle with cancer, life underwent transformations that stripped away many of the joyful elements previously experienced. The simple moments Kelli and Andy spent together took on a fresh significance, becoming uncharacteristically meaningful. 

 Kelli is survived by her husband, Andrew Klemp; her siblings, Patrick Zimmerman (Liza Allen) of Mendota Heights, MN, Nikki (Robert) Devine of Gilbertsville, PA, and Michael (Loretta) Zimmerman of Anaheim, CA. She also leaves behind her beloved nephews and nieces, Peter (Jenna Perkins) Zimmerman, Max (Jenny Thapa) Zimmerman, Matthew and Tara Devine, Ty (fiancée, Cherish Billings) Zimmerman, and Sarah, Nina, Alex, and Jason Klemp; mother-in-law, Jeanne Klemp; brothers-in-law, Mark (Mary), Aaron (DeAnna), and Matthew (Tomoko) Klemp. Preceding her in death are her parents, Robert and June Zimmerman; her sisters, Mary “Bobbie” and Traci Zimmerman; her grandparents, Richard and Lillian (Weninger) Ruecker and Gustav and Helen (Volling) Zimmerman; and father-in-law, Louis Klemp. 

A Celebration of Kelli’s life will be held at the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for family and friends. A small private ceremony will be held at a later date to scatter remains.

 Kelli donated tissue samples for genetic cancer research and participated in cancer clinical trials to move the field forward in treating cervical cancer and related diseases. Her empathy and passion to offer restorative therapy to counter cancer treatment side effects may be shared by others by donating in Kelli’s name to the Froedtert Small Stones Wellness Center. Online memorials may be made to the Cancer Center at Froedtert West Bend Hospital froedtert.com/westbendfoundation. Donations will directly impact the quality of life for patients receiving care by providing emotional and psychological support to guide them through their cancer journey.

 Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com