Sheila L Klecker

Sheila Lee Klecker, 78, Bismarck, N.D., passed away peacefully Oct. 17, 2016, surrounded by love and kindness at the Sanford Health Sunset Drive Continuing Care facility in Mandan after fighting an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Monday, October 24, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Marv Mutzenberger officiating. Sheila was born on May 13, 1938 in Minot, N.D. to Vincent and Bertha (Birdie) Lee. Growing up, she was never without her younger sister Mary by her side. The “Lee girls” inherited their mother’s striking beauty as well as her keen sense of style through their work in Birdie’s dress boutique in downtown Minot. Sheila graduated from Shattuck-St. Mary’s Episcopal Schools in Faribault, Minn., in 1956. She always looked back on that experience with great fondness. She made many lifetime friends throughout her years at St. Mary’s and maintained a closeness with them until her death. She also attended Minot State University where she partook in music education. Though she downplayed it, Sheila was a talented pianist and studied under Walter Hartman and Belle Mehus. She took French horn from Lawrence Hahn and participated in Minot’s annual production of the Messiah. Sheila was married to Robert “Bob” Frosaker in Minot in 1958. In 1972, she married Edward Klecker where they made their home in Bismarck. Sheila loved her children, Kevin, Brett, Beth and Mary, fiercely. Whenever her kids were was struggling, their first reaction was to call Mom. It was through empathy, wisdom and heart that she talked them through all of life’s sharp edges. She loved nothing more than opening her home to friends and family and relished in entertaining, experimenting with complicated recipes, and on occasion, setting the buffet on fire after a mishap with cherries jubilee. She brought style, whimsy and authenticity to everything she did. Her house was a reflection of her taste, and many a memorable family meal was had in their dining room. Sheila was devoted to her community. In addition to years of volunteering at her kids’ schools and a stint as a Boy Scout den mother, she volunteered at the Adult Learning Center, the Governor’s residence, the Democratic/NPL Party and the North Dakota Historical Society. She was also a presence in downtown Bismarck for many years, where she worked at Yes Virginia, Plum Tree and Pocket Watch. She made many lifelong friends during these experiences. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Vince and Birdie, and by her son Kevin Frosaker, who bravely fought Multiple Myeloma for more than nine years. We take great comfort in knowing that Kevin is with her now, and no doubt, they are smiling down at us and probably sharing a few laughs at our expense. Forever imprinted by having her in our life were her ever-devoted and loving husband, Edward Klecker; and children Brett Frosaker (Kristin), Seattle; Beth Ridgeway, Livingston, Mont.; and Mary Miller (Brady), Bismarck. Grateful to have had her as their “Nana,” “Ama” and “Grandma” were Jack Green and Grace and Kate Miller; Lukas Ridgeway; and William and Matthew Frosaker. She is also survived by her sister (her beloved “Hilda”), Mary Ganzer, Davis, Calif., with whom she was extremely close. She also leaves behind many friends whom she considered to be a big part of her loving family; you know who you are. Your love, kindness, daily phone calls, cards, regular visits and so much more, provided our family with a tremendous amount of comfort. We know she felt your love with every breath. Our family would like to extend a huge thank you to Sanford’s 7th floor East nurses and CNAs, along with the stellar nursing staff at the Sanford Health Sunset Drive Continuing Care Center. You all made her battle a little gentler, a littler kinder, and always with her dignity intact. Never forget the impact you make on so many lives. Memorials may be sent to Shattuck-St. Mary’s, 1000 Shumway Ave., PO Box 218, Faribault, MN 55021, or to the charity of your choice.