Audrey Jean (Fowell) Klosterman

Audrey Jean (Fowell) Klosterman age 88 of New Glarus passed away on April 23, 2023, surrounded by her family.  Audrey was born on February 27, 1935 in Richland Center WI to A. Hollis and Beulah Fowell.  She joined two older brothers, Darwin and Dwight.

Growing up on a farm, she walked several miles, to attend the small Ryan country school, with 20 other students, of all ages and grades. She graduated from Richland Center High School in 1952, where she also worked as a secretary during her high school years.  As a young teen, Audrey attended a bible camp in Black River Falls, and made the decision to be baptized, affirming a lifelong commitment to the Lord. She continued her faith journey as a member of the Blanchardville Lutheran Church for over 65 years, where she was a member of the Ladies Aid and Choir.   

After high school, she moved to downtown Madison to continue her secretarial career at Krogers grocery warehouse office.  During this time, she met Lyle Klosterman, who wooed her by driving  to Madison after milking cows, to treat her to a picture show at the outdoor movie theatre, and then share an ice cream sundae.  Audrey and Lyle married on April 14th, 1955, and farmed for over 40 years in Postville, in York Township .  After selling the dairy cows, they moved just down the road, and continued to be active visitors to the farm.

Audrey enjoyed her children and grandchildren more than anything, and wore out dozens of cookie sheets, and saucepans feeding them over the years.  Great memories were made playing games at the kitchen table and laughing and bonding.  She was a great piano player, and patiently let little fingers reach up and play along or sing and dance, while she sat at the bench, playing for her family.  Other fun activities included gardening, card club, bowling, playing bells in the Ramblewood Ringers, and being on the winning team of women’s rope pullers in the 1970’s, called the Pecatonica Queens.  After retiring from farming, Audrey and Lyle spent many weekends on the deck at their lake house in Lodi.  Audrey volunteered at the voting polls, church, ladies’ auxiliary, and New Glarus Nursing Home, where she lived at the end of her life.

Audrey is survived by her husband Lyle, their six children, Wayne (Jeannette), Paul, Larry (Donna), Bruce, Donna (Ed), and Connie, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Also survived by sisters-in law, Delores and Carmen Fowell, and Elaine Klosterman, and brother-in-law Ralph Klosterman, Uncle Paul Felton, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, in- laws, and many cherished friends and relatives over the years.

A visitation for Audrey will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at New Hope Lutheran church, Blanchardville from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.  A Funeral service will follow at 5:00 pm at the church.  The service will be live cast for the public on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice. Pastor Chris Strohm of New Hope Lutheran will officiate.  A funeral lunch will follow services.  Online condolences can be shared at SaetherFuneralService.com.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.

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