Carla L. (Spielman) Klosa passed away at her home on October 11, 2013 after a short illness. She was delighted to spend her final months in her own home with her daughters caring for her. And as she hoped, she took her final breath while she was sleeping in her own bed. She was at peace.
Carla was born to James and Luwella (Andre) Spielman on her father's birthday March 23, 1930.
She joined the Navy in 1950 to see the world but, instead, served as a key punch operator at the U.S. Naval Gun Factory in Arlington, Virginia. She received an honorable discharge.
She married Arthur "Bud" Klosa, Jr. on April 17, 1952. Her married life began at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska where her first daughter, Blaze, was born. After a transfer to Georgia, Carla returned to Freeport, Illinois while Arthur served in the Korean War. This is where her son, Lance, was born. When the war was over, the family was transferred to Belleville, Illinois where daughter Kelly was born. Mississippi was the next transfer where the final baby, Dawn was born. Virginia and Japan were the final transfers. The family moved to Maryland and Wisconsin after leaving the service. Through it all Carla fell in love with travel. Later in life she traveled the western and southern states with her sister, and enjoyed visiting Texas, Oklahoma, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Gibraltar when her son and his family lived in those areas. One of her favorite trips was to Washington, D.C. with her daughters where she was moved by the many war memorials, especially the Korean War Memorial.
Carla loved to watch sports. She loved the Cubs, Bears and Bulls with a passion and cheered like crazy in the winning and losing seasons. (Darn Cubs!) She enjoyed watching Pro Bull Riding and golf. Bingo and the one armed bandit gave her great pleasure for years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends but also liked her private time when she could read and do crossword puzzles.
She is survived by her children Blaze (Al Wallschlaeger) Elliott, Lance (Jill) Klosa, and Kelly (Joe) Mertens and twelve grandchildren; James (Trina) Bunnell, Hana Haldeman, Wade Haldeman, Jon Haldeman, Jennifer Kloepping, Sean Klosa, Seth Klosa, Jordan (Casie) Klosa, Joshua (Jessica) Mertens, Jacob (Katrina) Mertens, Doni Worth, Kaci Worth and six great grandchildren; Irys Worth, Weston Gelskey, Ava Bunnell, Maddox Gelskey, Olivia Klosa, and Baby Mertens. She is further survived by her sister, Dona Schlegel, a nephew and niece, many cousins, and many, many loving friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband Arthur Klosa, Jr. and her youngest daughter, Dawn Klosa Reiter.
Cremation has been accorded. Services will be at Walker Mortuary on October 27, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for Friends Forever Humane Society.
The family would like to thank Dr. Workman for the years of compassionate care he gave our mother and FHN Hospice nurses Nancy, Jeff and Ann for the care and guidance we received during her final months.