Former Bourbon Kindergarten Teacher Wendy Klenke Passes Away

Wendy Klenke, who taught kindergarten for more than 20 years at Bourbon Elementary School, passed away Feb. 20.

Klenke, 66, spent more than 40 years in education. After retiring from Bourbon, she moved to Osage Beach, Mo., and operated Children’s House at the Lake, a Montessori school.

Klenke also enjoyed interior design and Children’s House was featured in the 2019 Lake of the Ozarks Second House Living Holiday Edition.

Wendy Klenke was born Feb. 21, 1954 in Spokane, Wash., to Leo and Elsie Klaeger.

She was married to Dale Klenke on May 20, 1973.

Klenke is survived by Dale Klenke, her son Anthony and his wife Miranda of St. Louis, Missouri; her mother Elsie Klaeger of Spokane, Washington; her sisters Jan Frick and husband Harold of Pacific, Missouri, Genie Burton and husband Jim of Chicago, Illinois, Tena Frick and husband John of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, and Sandy Kelly and husband Mike of Seattle, Washington; other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer in Union.

Memorial donations may be given to the Wendy Klenke Memorial at Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks. Donations will be forwarded to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.