Pamela Jean Klema, age 73, of Roseau, Minnesota, died on March 12, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Pam was born on February 24, 1953, in Rushford, Minnesota, to Clair and Ellen (Maland) Overland. She spent her early years in Hart, where her father operated the creamery and she attended a one-room schoolhouse. The family later moved to town, and she graduated from Rushford High School in 1971. In high school she met Jerry Bunke. They married and shared a love of camping, hiking, and paddling. Jerry’s snowmobile racing brought them to Roseau around the time their son Gabriel was born. Pam cherished attending races and being part of that close-knit community. After Jerry’s tragic death while racing in 1978, she remained in Roseau to raise Gabe, displaying remarkable faith and strength.
She later married Jerry Klema, and their family grew to include Michael, David, and Sara. Pam worked as a teacher, valued for her patience and selfless nature. Her pioneering spirit led her to open the coffee shop Capella, after which she traveled the world as a flight attendant. In later years she became a massage therapist, finding joy in easing others’ discomfort. Pam had a gift for seeing the good in everyone. She offered her full attention in conversation, was kind and generous, and cultivated deep, lasting friendships. Above all, she delighted in her role as Grandma Pam to her grandchildren and many of their friends.
She is survived by her children Gabe (Thora) Bunke, Michael (Melissa) Klema, David (Julia) Klema, and Sara (Pete Geroy) Klema; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Taylor (Harlee) and Jagger, Boe (Emma) and Britta Bunke, Ole Norris Klema, John and Paul Klema, Cora, Nell, and Angus Klema; and her siblings David Overland and Lori (Perry) Benson. She was preceded in death by her husbands Jerry Bunke and Jerry Klema, her parents, and her brother Philip Overland.
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