Mary Klasen Obituary

I had the opportunity to travel with Mary Jeanne & have adventures enhanced by Mary Jeanne's participation. Whenever an opportunity arose to visit the Chicago area, Mary Jeanne would open her home for her cousin & friend Genevieve AND all of Genevieve's friends! We benefitted from Mary Jeanne's generous spirit. We were at two different family events within the past six months and Mary Jeanne looked healthy, happy & beautiful! Unexpectedness of her death flooded us with such sense of loss. To say we will miss her is such an understatement.

I so regret that family obligations prevented me from attending Mary's wake and funeral. I had hoped to tell the family how much I enjoyed knowing Mary and how sorry I am for their loss.

I met Mary through the Saints, and we ushered together on more than one occasion for--what else--Million Dollar Quarter. She and I were both MDQ groupies, though I was not in Mary's league. She was President, CEO and membership director. We had such fun singing along with the actors and being transported back to our younger days. David Lago who played Elvis and relished Mary's enthusiastic response to his performances asked me to pass along his love and condolences to the family. Her support meant a lot to him.

I will miss Mary, but I take comfort in picturing her up in rock-and-roll heaven--I'm sure that there is one--singing along with the original Elvis, Johnny and Carl. Save me a seat, Mary.

Dan, Mary, Kaitlin, Tiffany, and the rest of the Klasen family,

My heart is aching for you and the loss of your family member. Please know that my prayers are with you and I'm thinking about you.

Mary volunteered as a "Saint" to usher frequently at the Apollo Theatre for Million Dollar Quartet. Those of us in the cast got to know Mary very well and were stunned to hear of her passing. She was a sweet lady and will be missed by many

We were shocked and saddened to hear about Mary Jeanne and deeply mourn her passing. We will keep the Klasen family in our prayers. Mary Jeanne was a wonderful human being with a great Irish sense of humor, love of life and a deep appreciation for all living things. We are so sorry for your loss - she was devoted to her family. We will miss her. The attached photo is one of many wonderful moments we shared on a trip to D.C. in Aug '05.

Mary Beth Brandt & Meng-kong Tham

Shocking news. I have known Mary for many years as a docent at Lincoln Park Zoo. She was wonderful to work with and her numerous interests meant that there was never a lack of conversation. She was warm and caring.
My deepest condolences to her family.

I had the pleasure to know and work with Mary through her time spent volunteering as a Saint. She was a dedicated volunteer of the Harris Theater and always willing to help when needed. Her enthusiasm for the arts was undeniable and I will miss her cheerful and comforting demeanor. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary's family during this time.

I had the pleasure to know and work with Mary through her time spent volunteering as a Saint. She was always very giving of her time to benefit others and her excitement for the arts was undeniable. I will miss her cheerful and comforting presence. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary's family at this time.

She was a member of the Saints and volunteered frequently at Theater Wit. She will be missed.

My deepest sympathy to Mary's family and friends. I volunteered with Mary for many years at Lincoln Park Zoo. Our Saturday group was very much like a big family. She will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Mary.

Mary was a truly dedicated teacher. She contributed in many ways to Nicholas Senn High School. I was proud to know her and we all miss her very much. Our prayers are with the family that she loved so much.

I had only known Mary for about two years but in the time that I knew her I came to care for her so much. She was a wonderful person with whom I spent many happy hours, laughing and having fun. She also listened to me whenever I really needed to talk. I will miss her tremendously
To her family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. What a tremendous loss of such a lovely loving human being.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mary during my years as a volunteer at Lincoln Park Zoo and after. Such a dear soul. I will miss her. My thoughts are with you.

Mary Jeanne will be truly missed by her family that she loved and her friends, both old and new.

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Mary will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are wih your family during this very difficult time.

Ms. Klasen was a wonderful geometry teacher. I loved her class, it really clicked for me, unlike algebra, which felt like a foreign language I never learned. She was patient and funny, a great teacher. I am so sorry for your loss.

Mary was a volunteer at the theatre I work at for many years. She was always so helpful and cheerful. She will be missed. My condolences.

What a devastating loss of a wonderful friend. Since our volunteer training together at Lincoln Park Zoo 23 years ago, Mary and I shared a mutual love for animals, theatre, and travel. My life has been enriched from her friendship. She adored her family and I know you will miss her terribly. Our thoughts are with you.

On behalf of the entire Apollo community, we send our deepest condolences. Mary was a wonderful volunteer and we will miss her positive energy and dedication. We wish you peace in this difficult time.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

My condolences and sympathy go out to your family. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Pamela Young (Senn High School)

I have many great memories of volunteering with Mary at the Lincoln Park Zoo and of being a guest in her home. She was very generous and loved her family very much. I am in shock and will miss her greatly.

So very sorry. Shocked and devastated.
A very caring and giving colleague to both the staff and students.

A VERY SPECIAL LADY.

Bunny Dory (Senn High School)

I am so sorry.
Earl Strassberger