Name:  Wilfred and Leona Kluemper

Parish: Precious Blood Parish, Jasper, 27 years

Married, number of children: Married for 60 years; 12 children (one daughter deceased), 26 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren

Tell us three things about yourselves: Wilfred: I have tried to be a good father and husband. I was raised in a good Catholic family. I have tried to be honest with everybody. Leona: I enjoy spending time with our children, grandchildren and my brothers and sisters. I truly enjoy Christmas with our children. I attend Mass every chance I get.

Where were you born? What was your childhood like? Wilfred: I was born three miles east of Jasper on a farm. I had to do a lot of chores, like milking the cows and feeding the animals before and after school. I went seven years to a one-room schoolhouse. I was promoted from second grade to fourth grade, skipping the third grade. I graduated from Ireland High School in 1936, where I played basketball for the Ireland Spuds. I was the only one in my family to graduate high school. Leona: I was born five miles east of Celestine Dec. 23, 1919, and baptized on Christmas day. We walked almost five miles every day to school. I graduated in the eighth grade. I have four sisters and five brothers, and we all worked very hard on the farm. 

What is one of your earliest childhood memories? Wilfred: I loved Christmas and church picnics. Leona: I remember as a family kneeling and praying the rosary, sometimes in German, especially during Lent. I remember celebrating my Solemn Communion. We dressed in white and had a celebration. 

What were your memories of World War II or the Depression? Wilfred: Depression days were tough. We had plenty to eat but not too many clothes to wear. I served in the army five years during World War II. I served 15 months in Iceland and was promoted to staff sergeant. I married Leona during the war on June 17, 1944, and in October, I was sent to England, France and Germany. In Germany, I experienced the concentration camp of Buchenwell; it was horrible. Fifty six thousand people died from starvation, and about 21,000 were alive, but just skin and bones. Also while over seas, I received a letter from Leona that our first child had died shortly after birth on May 1, 1945. Leona: I remember the adults talking about the Depression, but we had a big farm and plenty to eat and my mother, who was an angel, made a lot of our clothes.

Who taught you to swim? To drive? Wilfred: My brother taught me to drive, but I never could swim. Leona: I never could swim. I did drive before the children were born, but then I quit. I was always afraid I would have a wreck and hurt somebody.

Have you ever done anything risky or dangerous? Wilfred: World War II was dangerous. I also trimmed trees. That was risky and dangerous. Leona: I had open-heart surgery in 1992, and in 1995, I was in a car accident that led to brain surgery. To me that was risky.

What was your first job and what did it pay? Wilfred: My first job was at the Jasper Desk factory making 25 cents an hour. Leona: My first job was picking strawberries at my neighbors’ and working in a tomato canning factory. I received 7 cents a gallon picking strawberries. I can’t remember what I made in the factory. I was 14 years old.

Who influenced you growing up? Who did you consider to be a hero when you were a child? Wilfred: My mother, she was a saint. Later in life, my mother-in-law. Leona: My brother and older sister were always my heroes.

Who do you consider to be a hero today? Wilfred: My parish priest, Father John Breidenbach. Leona: A friend who has helped us so much over the last few years. He is an angel from heaven.

Who were your favorite singers/actors when you were young? Wilfred: Betty Grable and Bing Crosby. Leona: Gene Autry (I got to see him in person) and Little Jimmie Dickens.

What are you involved with at you parish? Describe what stewardship means to you: Wilfred: I am a member of the St Vincent DePaul Society at Precious Blood Parish. I have been on the parish council, prayed the rosary before Mass and took care of the outside maintenance for the parish for 22 years. I also received the Brute Society award in 1996. Leona: I belong to the Ladies Sodality and the prayer chain. When I was younger I helped at church picnics and helped my husband clean the school and work outside. I also received the Brute Society award along with my husband in 1966. Stewardship to me means helping and being there for family and friends if needed.

Do you have any hobbies? Wilfred: I gardened a lot until the last two years. I like to watch basketball, football and baseball. Leona: I still do my own housework, cooking and baking. I love to go to yard sales, play the harmonica with my two sisters at nursing homes, and go to church.

What do you miss about the old ways of the church and what do you like about the new? Wilfred: I don’t miss the old. I like the fact that the Mass is now in English, and I can understand it better. Leona: I love our beautiful new church, and I can hardly wait for Father John’s sermons at Mass. 

What do you see in the church of the future? Wilfred and Leona: We see the younger generation getting more involved. 

Have you encountered a miracle or God’s intervention in your life? Wilfred: At age 4, a wagon wheel ran over my leg, and at age 18 I fell off a granary roof and almost died. I have also had several major surgeries. Leona: I have encountered several miracles raising our children through sickness and accidents. I also had several major surgeries. I think a guardian angel lived with us.

Why should a person be faithful, go to church, or believe in God? Wilfred: My life would not be the same if it weren’t for my faith in God. I go to Mass and communion daily if possible. I also pray the rosary daily. Leona: I cannot comprehend not believing and having faith in our Lord. Prayer is the best healer there is.

What is your first memory of church? Wilfred: Going to church with my parents and making my First Communion. Leona: Going to my grandpa’s funeral. I also remember marching up front with the other children and the sisters were right behind us. We also paid $6 a year for our own pew at church.

What do like most about being Catholic? Wilfred: The Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Leona: Being able to share my faith with my children. 

What have you learned? How are you different than 20, 30, or 50 years ago? Wilfred: I have learned to be more forgiving. I have more time now to pray and go to Mass. Leona: I know the power of prayer, otherwise I wouldn’t be here anymore. I don’t think I am any different now than years ago.  

Tell us about a favorite saint: Wilfred: St Jude when I am in need of something, and St. Anne for good health. Leona: St. Jude and St. Anne for good health and St. Joseph and St Anthony if I lose something.

What make a success? Wilfred: Success comes from hard work, honesty and prayer. Leona: Success is having a family that eats together, prays together, and laughs together.

What is the last movie you have seen? Wilfred and Leona: The Passion of Christ.

What was the best advice you ever received? Wilfred: To always try and live by the Golden Rule. Leona: To never be envious of others and be thankful for what you are given.

People of Wisdom is sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana, Inc. For more information, please call (800) 637-1731 or (812) 424-5536, or visit the website at www.catholicfoundationswin.org.