Janet Lee Kleist

Janet Lee Kleist (nee Diffendorfer) of Waukesha, entered the gates of Heaven with her family by her side, on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the age of 76. She was born on May 2, 1945 in Menomonie, WI, the daughter of Leroy and Alice (nee Gormanson) Diffendorfer. Janet was a girl scout and cub scout leader for many years. Then went to work and retire from Boelter Company. After retirement, she, and her husband Orval, worked side by side at O & J Productions for 33 years. She enjoyed her volunteer work at the Hope Center and was awarded the Green Bay Packers give back award. She also spent many years serving at her church, St. Luke’s Lutheran. She enjoyed bowling, baking cookies with her grandkids, and going to wine tastings.

Janet will be greatly missed by her husband, Orval E. Kleist and their children, Blair (Lisa Balistreri Gross) Kleist and Janelle (David) Kline. Her grandchildren Andrew (Celine) Kleist, Amanda (Andy) Holtz, Madisyn Palkowski, Sofia Palkowski, DJ (Ashley) Kline, Jenna (Tyler) Machesky, Colin Kline, and Alex Kline. Great-grandchildren Christine, Jackson, Scarlett, Sabrina, Cooper, and Giovanni. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her great-granddaughter Shelly Kleist, and many family members and friends.

The family wishes to thank Holistic Hospice for the care they gave Janet the last days of her life. A special thank you to Michelle O’Connell for her help and full support!

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. until the 1:30 p.m. memorial service at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 300 Carroll St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Interment at Prairie Home Cemetery at a later date.