Lee Kleeman

Lee Ann Kleeman, age 73, passed away on Sunday, May 15 at home with her husband at her side. She was born on July 27, 1942 in Oak Park, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Marian Goltermann. She grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois where she attended Glenbard West high school. She graduated from Milwaukee Downer College in 1964 with a BA in art. Following college, she spent 2 years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Afghanistan and upon her return to the U.S., resided in Madison, Wisconsin where she was an elementary and middle school art teacher in the Madison Public School system from 1970 until her retirement from teaching in 1996. During this time, she received her MFA degree in art metal from the University of Wisconsin. Following her retirement from teaching, she became an accomplished fiber artist producing hand-stitched ornaments, pins, pendants and large wall pieces. Her works of art were displayed in both local and national shows and her "State Street Madison, 1931" piece won a national award from the Embroiderer's Guild of America. In 1970, she met her future husband, Jim and they were married in 1973 in Madison where they have resided since that time. She loved to be outdoors and she and her husband were active hikers and bikers, and took many hiking and bicycling trips to various destinations around the world. She was an active reader and book club member as well as an active member of the Madison Contemporary Fiber Artists. She possessed a wonderful cheerfulness and spirit and kept a "thumbs up disposition" throughout her struggle with cancer.

Lee is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Jim; sister Beverly (Fred) Knoch of Three Lakes, Wi.; brothers-in-law Karl (Edwina) of Bellingham Wa. and John (Gayle) Kleeman of Klamath Falls, Or.; nephews Fred (Ansley) Knoch and Scott Kleeman; nieces Johanna (Kurt ) Schwiesow and Kellianne Kleeman; and many grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family wishes to thank Dr. James Heun and the nursing staff of the Dean Hematology and Oncology Department and the wonderful staff from Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate and loving care. Memorials may be made in her name to Wisconsin Public Radio or Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care. A celebration of Lee's life will be held at a date to be determined.

Please share your memories of Lee Ann.

Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406