Brian Thomas Klaus
Brian Thomas Klaus, 53, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, after battling ALS the last couple of years. He was born on February 25, 1969, to Thomas and Joyce (DeCleene) Klaus.
Brian grew up in Green Bay and was a graduate of Southwest High School. He had wonderful memories of golf, soccer, and lots of great times with friends. Every weekend was an adventure as they tried to figure out where the party would be and more importantly how they were going to get beer. Brian went to UW Madison and graduated with a BBA in Accounting in May of 1992. He later worked at various companies but found a home and family at Associated Bank where he was the Treasurer. We want to thank Associated Bank for coming through for us at the worst time in our lives.
In the Summer of 1990, while working as a “Parkie” in Green Bay, he met Jenny (Appleby) during a party at Marcie’s. They hopped the fence for the slide at Bay Beach and their lives changed forever. From that day forward, the two were in love and knew they couldn’t live without each other. They considered themselves lucky to have found love at any early age. Brian and Jennifer were able to have over 32 years together even though it was cut short.
Brian was a prolific singer and dancer in his younger years in his own mind. He always enjoyed a good party and loved to laugh with everyone in his life. He loved people. Making connections with people was really important to him. His mottos were: Show appreciation. Say thank you. Compliment people. Look people in the eye. Listen more, speak less. Tip great service. Really tip your cart girls.
Most people probably thought his cause of death would be some sort of accidental fall or dare while he was being corrupted by all his great friends. Instead, it was a disease that doctors diagnosed by eliminating everything else and saying there is no cure, even though the disease was discovered in 1869. ALS took everything from Brian including his ability to walk, talk, move, eat, and eventually breathe.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Jennifer Klaus, and their pugs “Enzo” and “Teddy”. Additionally, he is survived by three siblings, Jean (Charles) Thurber, Robert (Dianne) Klaus, and Ann (Klaus) and Troy Burmesh; nieces and nephews, Robby Klaus (godson), Sarah Clark, Tom Senn, Max Senn (godson), Josh Peterson and Mandi Czarnecki, and a godson Jack Theis. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Sue Appleby; sisters-in-law, Vicki Appleby (fiancé Dave Baumgart), and Lori Appleby, along with so many unbelievable friends.
During the last couple of years, Brian and Jennifer received so much help and support from close friends and family they want to especially mention: Bill, Jess, Ann, Michael, David, Abby, Deena, neighbors Don and Mary, and many others. We would also like to thank the ALS Northeast’s chapter representative Alyson Johnson, and Options for Independent Living, Calvin Richtig. A big thank you to ProMedica Hospice for helping during the last month.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Joyce; his father-in-law, Bill Appleby; and his sister, Leslie (Tom) McWilliams.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”- Ferris Bueller
Friends and family are invited to Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., on Thursday, December 1st from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a short ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Josh Viste officiating. This will be followed by stories, appetizers, and drinks on Brian at The Woods at 530 Erie Rd, Green Bay.
Donations may be made to I AM ALS whose focus is research and finally finding a cure for this disease. This organization and the so many who are part of it really were a comfort to Brian.