Rebecca Lynn Klicka

Rebecca Lynn was born in Minneapolis on April 11, 1945, to Ruth and Paul “Walt” Kalass. When she was six her family moved to Zumbrota, a small Minnesota town where her family ran the local grocery store, and Becky was free to roam about on all sorts of adventures.

An only child, Becky starting building relationships that lasted a lifetime at a young age. First childhood friends and neighbors, classmates, cousins, and aunts; over time her in-laws, nieces and nephews, neighbors, coworkers, fellow moms – once she loved someone, she knew how to hang on to them. One example many of us cherish - very few holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries passed by without Becky sending a greeting card to show she cared!

After high school Becky moved to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin, with her eye on a journalism degree. After her first year, with the intent of establishing residency and then returning to school, she took a job at Marquette University’s financial aid office. Plans changed when she started another lifelong relationship - she met Bill Klicka through a mutual friend. They married on October 5th, 1968, and soon moved into their home in Menomonee Falls – a home they would remain in for the majority of their lives.

Becky and Bill began to build their family – first Andy was born in 1971, followed by Liz a few years later. Becky was a stay-at-home mom throughout Andy and Liz’s childhood, present at every moment, big or small. She returned to work as her kids gained independence, putting her efficiency, organization, and customer service skills to good use as an office manager at Hessco. But she still never missed a school activity or a sporting event.

If you needed help, Becky was your first call. She volunteered at the St. Agnes church and school, in every possible capacity – the lunchroom, the playground, the library, the office, during the services and behind the scenes. And throughout it all, she built more friendships that meant so much to her the rest of her life.

As time passed, Becky became a grandmother to four kids who could do no wrong. She loved nothing more than creating a home where they were always welcome, filled with their favorite foods and toys, and planning adventures big and small. Her life centered around her family, her friends, and her volunteer work – she preferred to keep busy and was always on the go.

Becky’s dementia diagnosis was a shock to all, particularly since she was always strong and healthy. In late 2021 she and Bill moved to Minnesota to be closer to Liz and her family. As her dementia progressed, Becky maintained her typical optimism, positive spirit, and sense of humor – she was a favorite to all of the nursing and other staff. On February 8th, she passed away from complications of dementia, surrounded by her family and the wonderful care she was receiving in memory and hospice care.

Becky is missed by so many – Bill, her husband of 55 years; son Andy, daughter-in-law Stacey, grandkids Chase and Sophie; daughter Liz and son-in-law Scott (Willard), grandsons Zach and Charlie. Not to mention all of the loved ones she gathered in 78 years – family and friends who became family.

Becky was clear about her wishes – celebrate her life, don’t mourn. Turn on “Old Time Rock and Roll” and dance. Go for a walk with a friend. Send an old-fashioned card so your loved ones know you’re thinking of them. Read a good book. Travel to a place you’ve never been.

If you feel the need to give, Becky requested donations to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the Ronald McDonald House, or the Humane Society of Wisconsin, in lieu of flowers. That request was before her dementia diagnosis, so perhaps she would have added the Alzheimer’s Association to that list as well.

Services will be held on Friday, March 22nd at St. Agnes Church in Butler, WI. Visitation at 1 PM, service at 2 PM, with a gathering after the service. Casual attire approved.