Elsie Kleinschmidt

Elsie M. Wiknik Kleinschmidt, 87, of Kensington, beloved widow of Otto Kleinschmidt, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 30, 2006. Born in Middletown, she was the daughter of the late Ludwig and Adela Schultz Wiknik. Elsie was a former New Britain resident, moving to Kensington in 1949. She was formerly employed at Price & Lee City Directory and later at the Eddy Awning Co., before retiring. She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Britain, where she was a member of the Altar Guild, Evangelism committee, Mr. & Mrs. Club, the Cradle Roll committee, and where she formerly served as a Vacation Bible School teacher and Sunday school teacher for over 20 years. Elsie was a member and former president of the Haru Gari German Club Connecticut Chapter, served as a Boy Scout Den Mother and Pack Leader, and enjoyed bowling and playing bingo. Surviving are three sons, William Kleinschmidt and his wife Nancy Ann of Haddam, Richard Kleinschmidt and his wife Linda of Newington, and Alan Beckley and his wife Linda of Southington; two daughters, Joan Bennar and her husband Cal of Kensington, Karen Kleinschmidt of Kensington and her companion William Staron; a brother, Art Wiknik of Higganum; two sisters, Martha Schraft of Middletown, and Gert Zanelli of Higganum; nine grandchildren, Ronald Kleinschmidt, Linda Kleinschmidt Nease, Susan Brown and Dr. Debra Kleinschmidt, Annjanette Bennar Bish and Erich Bennar, Dawn, Heidi and Holly Beckley; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her life long friend, Alfreda Donlan. Elsie was predeceased by two brothers, Harry and Henry Wiknik and a sister, Evelyn Erdman. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial will be in West Lane Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 5-8 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain. Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 295 Arch St., New Britain, CT 06051 or to Boy Scouts of America, CT Rivers Council, 60 Darlin St., E.Hartford, CT 06128.