Joel D. Klanderman
Joel D. Klanderman, 74, passed away peacefully at Fond du Lac Lutheran Home after stoically fighting several health struggles. He was born near Milwaukee on October 27, 1947 and adopted by Walter and Wanda (Stelsel) Klanderman.
While growing up, Joel was active in his church and was a Boy Scout who achieved the Eagle Scout Award. Joel graduated from Appleton High School in 1966. Joel held many different jobs. He was employed by Banta, was a salesperson for Les Stumpf Ford and WHBY, and then moved to B.C. Ziegler for the remainder of his career. Joel was passionate about helping people with their finances and cherished his many clients.
Joel married Donna Renderman in 2000. They enjoyed traveling to National Parks, and they especially loved attending the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They both were proud of being part of the Fond du Lac community. Joel joined FDL Noon Rotary on January 26, 1987 and humbly served as the President of FDL Noon Rotary, proud of his perfect attendance record. Joel also served as the President of the FDL United Way and the President of Hope Lutheran Church Council.
He received several distinguished awards for his leadership and philanthropy, including the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award plus 2 from Noon Rotary and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation’s philanthropist award.
Besides his love of volunteering and being kind to others, Joel was known for his love of family. Nothing meant more to him than his family. Many Sundays were spent playing games, eating gourmet meals and finishing it all off with a bowl of ice cream (especially from Kelley’s).
Joel enjoyed following the financial news, playing cards and dominoes, spending time with his friends, telling dad jokes, hunting, fishing, rooting for whoever was playing against the Packers (just to spite his family) and grilling out. His favorite sport was golf, and he was fortunate to play at a variety of famous courses throughout the country. He also loved to eat. His mom’s cooking, especially the spaghetti, Swiss steak, chicken stir fry and beef stew, was his favorite. He loved subs, especially from Eaton’s, chicken garlic gourmet pizza from Stuc’s, and clam strips from Mr. Steak. He even had a sub named after him from West Side Deli in the Town of Menasha.
Joel is survived by his wife, Donna Klanderman; daughter, Krista (Kurt Wismer) Klanderman; and three grand-cats and four grand-chickens. He is further survived by his “adopted daughter” Becky Durbin, his aunt Dr. Dorothy Barbo (Gert) his uncle Chuck Barbo and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Joel was a strong person who persevered through many health issues. He always had a positive attitude despite the pain or suffering he was feeling. He was (and will remain) a role model for others who deal with chronic pain.
Joel’s family invites relatives and friends for a time of visitation on Tuesday, November 30th at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Joel’s family would appreciate memorials to the Joel D. Klanderman and Donna R. Renderman Klanderman Family Fund at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, 1020 S. Main St., Suite E, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.