Lou Gressett Klenck, 92

Heaven became a little brighter with the arrival of Lou Gressett Klenck, 92, on Sept. 10, 2026.

Lou was born in Denver and moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1966 with her first husband, Jack Gressett, and their four sons: Steve, Scott, Mark, and Todd. She served a number of nonprofits including the Aspen Music Festival and School, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

Lou loved cooking, sailing, hiking, boating, knitting, waterskiing, skiing, and, more than anything, spending time with the people she loved. She was passionate about playing bridge and was holding a great hand when God called her home.

She was a bright light in the lives of so many and one of those rare people who made everyone feel welcome. Her door was always open, and there was always room for one more at the dinner table. She had a way of making people feel cared for, included, and loved. You simply felt better after spending time with Lou, and that is something our family will miss more than we can say.

And then there was her baking. Her homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, ginger cookies, pies, and other treats were a little bit of heaven on earth for everyone lucky enough to taste them. Baking was one of the ways Lou shared her love, and her smile was often matched by the smiles of those enjoying something she had made. Her family is sure she has already found the kitchen in heaven and is baking for everyone there.

Lou found her soulmate in Carl Klenck, and together they spent 25 years in Bigfork, enjoying the life they built together.

Lou is survived by her husband, Carl; sons Mark (Susan) and Todd (Holly); grandchildren Katie (Dallas), Launi, Stephanie (Eric), Nicole, Glen, Dylan (MacKenzie), Julia, and Janelle; great-grandchildren Brooke, Logan, Kincaid, Cassie, Jacob, Bekah, Hannah, SiDinya, Hazel, Kora, and Rylan; and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack; sons Steve and Scott; parents Bert and Afina Wassenaar; and stepdaughters Lynne and Sherry.

More than anything, Lou leaves behind family and friends who knew without question that they were loved. And that may be her greatest legacy of all.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.