Mary Ann Klippstein

Mary Ann Klippstein, (nee Artac) was born on July 26,1931, and died at age 93, on June 12, 2025, in Oro Valley AZ, surrounded by her loved ones. Mary Ann was born in Waukegan IL to Frank and Matilda “Tilly” (Dolence) Artac. She attended nurses training at St Francis Hospital in Evanston IL and graduated in 1952. Mary Ann loved baseball and attended many Chicago Cubs games during nurses training. At the time, her Uncle Dutch Leonard was a veteran pitcher for the Cubs. He introduced her to John “Johnny” Klippstein, a rookie pitcher, while attending a game in 1950. Mary Ann and John married in October 1952. During Johnny’s 18-year major league baseball career, Mary Ann drove, alone with their three children, to the city where John’s team was located each summer. Although John played for 8 teams, Mary Ann remained a life long Cubs fan. After John retired from baseball, Mary Ann went back to work as a registered nurse, a rewarding career where she made many lifelong friends. Mary Ann’s social groups included The Cookie Club, The Chicago Club, neighborhood friends, and baseball friends from across the country. She attended her Waukegan High School reunions, coordinated her St Francis reunions and was the Master of Ceremony for over 50 years. Mary Ann spent her last 14 years in the Tucson area where her children lived at least part of the year. Mary Ann is survived by her children, Mary Jo Hallberg (Mark), Barb Brady (Mike Watkins) and John Klippstein (Kim), grandchildren Kelly Hallberg, Katie Hallberg, Kasey Moss, Taryn Delany, Matthew Brady, Brittany Brady, Stacy Lynott, Shannon Boon and Sean Brady, 20 great grandchildren, and her niece, Sally Klippstein, to whom Mary Ann was guardian for over 33 years. She delighted in them all. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10 until the 10:30 am Memorial Service at James A O’Connor Funeral Home, 11603 E. Main Street in Huntley, IL 60142. A private Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Huntley. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Interfaith Community Services at https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_4e834365-7431-11e8-94a1-0a7fa948a058&WidgetId=371712 A Luncheon will follow at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant 1741 S Randall Rd Algonquin, IL 60102

Mary Ann Klippstein

July 26, 1931 - June 12, 2025