Rosemarie "Oma" Klingenberg

Rosemarie “Oma” F. Klingenberg, joined her husband in heaven on October 18, 2020.

She will be missed by her son, Thomas (Karla) Klingenberg of Paris; a daughter Kim Klingenberg of Paris; and two grandchildren Krista Klingenberg of Nashville, and Daniel Klingenberg of Oak Grove, KY. Oma also leaves to mourn her passing a host of family members in Germany.

Born January 22, 1931, in Neuwied, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Erwin “Opa” Eppers and the late Frieda Lohë Eppers.

Oma moved to Memphis from Neuwied, Germany, as a governess for the owners of the Condon Snuff Company. She met her husband, Klaus F. Klingenberg (also from Germany) at a Germania Club in Memphis. They married July 22, 1961, and he preceded her in death December 13, 2002.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Winfried Leohardt and Ernst Leohardt.

While in Memphis, she dedicated her life to Christ the King Lutheran School where she was instrumental in starting early education programs. Her claim to fame was the daycare program. She touched many children’s lives and mentored many single moms.

After Klaus’s death, Oma moved to Paris in 2005 to be with her family. Upon her arrival she became known as the “Omanator” by many of her grandchildren’s friends. She also joined Christ Lutheran Church in Paris, where she became very active.

On Easter morning of 2016, she had a bad fall and was airlifted to Vanderbilt. She was in poor health until October 18, 2020, at 6:41 p.m., when she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.

We love you Oma

Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Memorial visitation will be held at Ridgeway Funeral Home on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm.

Another memorial visitation and service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5296 Park Ave., Memphis, TN 38119, on Saturday, October 31, 2020, with visitation to begin at 9:30 a.m. with the service to follow at 11 am.

Memorials may be made to Christ the King Lutheran 5296 Park Ave., Memphis, TN 38119.