NORTHWOOD — Florence Martha Klitzke, a longtime Northwood woman remembered for her faith, community service and deep love for her family, has passed away.
Klitzke, 99, died peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley. She was born on May 14, 1927, in Rock Township in Mitchell County, the daughter of Lawrence and Leona Wilde.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Northwood. Visitation was held one hour before the service at the church. Burial was at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.
Klitzke graduated from Kensett High School in 1944 and later attended Luther College in Decorah, where she took professional business courses. Her early career took her from Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Chicago, where she achieved a dream of working on Michigan Avenue.
She later returned to Northwood and built a life centered on family, work and service. After the death of her first husband, Ruben Foley, she went to work at Northwood State Bank, now NSB Bank, where she spent nearly 32 years before retiring.
Klitzke was also active in her church and community. She taught Sunday School, helped with Scouts, served with Meals on Wheels, supported cancer fundraising efforts, volunteered with the Salvation Army, gave communion to shut-ins through First Lutheran Church and remained involved in local clubs and church groups.
Loved ones remember her as a caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed cooking, baking, embroidery and time with family.
She is survived by her children, Ruben Foley, Linda Reberry, Larry Foley and Wendy McMullen; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; stepchildren; extended relatives; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ruben Foley and Kenneth Klitzke; a stepson, Kevin Klitzke; and a son-in-law, Doug McMullen.
Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church in Northwood.
Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel of Northwood is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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