Emil "Rick" Alrick Klemett

KLEMETT, Emil Alrick "Rick" - Age 82, of Fenton, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 3 PM Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at The Chapel of Holy Innocents at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St, Fenton (The Mass will be live streamed and can be viewed below Rick's obituary here). Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant. Visitation will be held at the church Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 2 PM until the time of the Mass. Those desiring may make contributions to Carriage Town Ministries - Flint in Rick's name.

Rick was born January 19, 1943 in Hancock, MI, the son of Edwin and Irene (Kemppanien) Klemett. He was a 1960 graduate of Hancock High School; He then received a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from Michigan Tech University and his Master's Degree from The University of Michigan. He married JoAnne M. Groeschel May 23, 1964 in Houghton. Rick and JoAnne moved to Flint in 1964 where Rick started his 43 year career with General Motors as a Quality Engineer. He had resided in Fenton since 2004 after moving from Swartz Creek. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Fenton Moose Lodge and the Retired Men's Fellowship of Greater Flint.

Rick enjoyed spending the summers at his cottage on Case's Island on Lake Fenton and also his family cottage in the Upper Peninsula in Dollar Bay. A true handyman, Rick built and remodeled both cottages over the years while teaching his grandsons working alongside him. Rick enjoyed meeting new people and was often the first person many new residents on the island met.

Rick and JoAnne wintered in Florida for the past 20 years where Rick enjoyed golfing and visiting with his Florida friends. Being of Finnish descent, Rick enjoyed his saunas! He was also an avid University of Michigan football fan and enjoyed the home games and tailgates as a season ticket holder for 50 years.

Special thanks to Provision Living in Fenton where Rick spent the past couple of months until his passing. Erin, Jen and Sue were compassionate and attentive caregivers who ensured Rick was comfortable during his stay.

Surviving are: his wife of 61 years, JoAnne; daughter, Laura (Scott) Quillen; grandsons, Conner, Matthew and Jack Quillen; sister, Kathy Kind; nieces and nephews and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Irene Klemett; sister, Lois Lescelius; and brother, Phil Klemett. Online tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.