Jennie Margaret Klaas, 93, of Maryville, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 4, 1931, in Collinsville, IL, Jennie was a 1949 graduate of Collinsville High School. She worked as a telephone operator, served as a secretary at Scott Air Force Base, and also dedicated many years as a stay-at-home mother raising her family.

Jennie was a devoted member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as a past President. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, and had a fondness for word games. A woman of faith, she was a longtime member of St. John United Church of Christ in Collinsville.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene Klaas; her parents, Raymond and Myrtle (née Savage) Seipp; an infant son, David Raymond; a daughter, Fran Schmitz; grandson, Allen Schmitz; her brother, Roger Seipp; her sister, Dorothy Crafton; and a son-in-law, Jim Fitzgerald.

Jennie is survived by her six children: Gerald Klaas, Sr., Phillip Klaas, Linda (Jim) Smith, Nancy Fitzgerald, Brenda (Jim) West, and Pam (Mike) Michard; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Her love and legacy live on through them all.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL. An additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at St. John United Church of Christ, 307 West Clay, Collinsville, IL 62234.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jennifer Sowell officiating. Burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery in Fairview Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. John UCC and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.