CLAFLIN — Denise Rae (Wedel) Klima, 60, died June 1, 2026, at Sterling Village, Sterling, Kan. She was born July 10, 1965, in Hutchinson, Kan., the daughter of Donald and Ella Mae (Thiel) Wedel. Denise spent her childhood in Chase, Kan., where she attended school.

On July 7, 1995, she married Jim Klima, Sr. in Great Bend. They worked together running the family business, Klima Well Service, with her as the secretary for many years. Denise was devoted to her family and spent as much time as she could following her children and then grandchildren in all of their activities. Her love for her family including her beloved dogs was her first priority in her life.

She is survived by her husband Jim Klima Sr. of the home; children, Matt Schafer (Shawna) of Ellinwood, Shira Ryan of Lyons, and James Lyman, Jr. of Ellinwood; stepchildren, JD Klima Jr. (Shawna) of Claflin, Tracey Klima (Alex Delgado) of Great Bend, and Travis Klima of Claflin; sisters, Donna Holland (Wendell) of New Blaine, Ark., and Dian Long (Randy) of Ellinwood; a brother-in-law, Don Byers of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and nine grandchildren, Jackson Schafer, Mason Schafer, Zepplin Zimmerman, Axl Ryan, Jamie Woods, Ella Mae Woods, Hunter Klima, Broc Klima, and Alli Klima; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Debra Byers.

Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Pastor Jason Streit presiding. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Claflin, Kan. Memorials may be made to Sterling Village or Encounter Church of Sterling in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 4, 2026