Joanne Klima

JOANNE EDNA KLIMA

Cedar Rapids

Joanne Edna Klima, 71, of Aurora, Ill., departed to her heavenly home on Friday, May 18, 2018, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

She was born March 17, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of the late Robert E. and Hazel I. (nee Derby) Hunter. She grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Washington Senior High School, Class of 1965. She went on to attend St. Luke's School of Nursing, graduating in 1967 as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She was a St. Luke's staff nurse for years and was one of the few selected to be in the first group of cardiac telemetry unit nurses at St. Luke's Hospital. Through her career, she also practiced nursing in International Health Services for weight loss and smoking cessation and was a client nurse for St. Luke's Home Care. Prior to retiring, she worked with several families giving in-home childcare.

In 1967, she married the love of her life, Joseph M. Klima, lasting for 51 amazing years. Joanne's most fulfilling work was being a homemaker to her husband and two children. At the age of 7, Joanne gave her life to Christ. She studied the Bible, attended church, and began a relationship with the Lord. Throughout her walk with God, she was able to use her outgoing personality to spread the good news of Jesus. She had been part of several churches and enjoyed involving herself in Sunday school, choir and women's retreats. She most recently was attending Harvest New Beginnings Church in Oswego, Ill. Her God-given artistic gifts included writing poetry, sewing, calligraphy, crafting and so much more.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Michael Klima; her children, Michelle (Scott) Piquard and James (Adriana) Klima; three grandchildren, Taylor Piquard and Briana and Lucas Klima; her twin brother, Joe (Judith) Hunter; and sister, Virginia Avril.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Cedar Memorial Park in the Garden of Reflection graveside on Saturday, July 21, from 10 to 11 a.m. Please arrive 10 minutes beforehand, thank you. A service at 10:20 a.m. will be given by Pastor Bob Westfall from New Covenant Bible Church. Remembrance gifts to the American Center for Law and Justice, Jay Sekulow Legal Service, P.O. Box 90555, Washington, D.C. 20090-0555, to protect freedom of speech and religion. Any questions, please refer to the family of Joanne Edna Klima.