Louise Elvira Dal Ponte Kloberdanz, 98, a very gracious lady with a beautiful soul, died peacefully at Sterling Regional Med Center on, Thursday, October 5, 2017.   Louise had resided in her family home until her death. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home; Vigil Service and Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 12, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 326 South Third St, Sterling. CO.   Burial at Riverside Cemetery will follow.

Louise was born at home on a farm in Padroni, CO on February 2, 1919, the third of six children. Her parents, Francesco Dal Ponte and Catherine Lazzaretti Dal Ponte were Italian immigrants.  Her Italian grandmother Louise Pavatto Lazzaretti, who served as a midwife for more than 85 births in Logan County, brought Louise into the world.

Louise attended grade school in Padroni, then lived with a family in Sterling and worked for her room and board while attending St. Anthony's High School.   She graduated from St. Anthony's in 1937 and received a scholarship to Loretto Heights College in Denver; however Louise chose to follow her heart.

On November 22, 1937, Louise married Joe Kloberdanz Jr. at St. Anthony's church, where she remained a lifelong parishioner. Louise and Joe farmed in Crook, CO, for a short time, and then relocated to farm north of Sterling until 1975, when they retired and moved to town.

Louise was a very devoted wife and mother, an incredible cook, candy maker and a consummate pie and bread baker.   Frequently, upon entering her home, the scent of goulash, kartoffel and glace, freshly baked cookies or bread permeated the air. When it came to pie baking, she was 'the best of the best.' She had to be coaxed into entering a cooking contest, which she won with an entry of her special "Heavenly Pie."  Anyone who was privileged to indulge in a piece of her delectable concoction will remember its perfection which truly seemed to come from heaven.

People in her life, both inside and outside of family, were drawn to her, especially children. She so loved children and was a 'kid' magnet. Children and grandchildren alike always wanted to spend time with Nonna to eat her delicious food, hear her great stories and get one of her hugs and special chin chucks.

Louise was the heart and soul of her family. She provided the strength which bound them and always shared her steadfast faith in God which guided them. Above all, she had the ability to love her children at all costs and maintained an incredible capacity for forgiveness.

The biggest blessing and greatest joy in Louise's life was, without a doubt, her special son, Greg.   For years Louise spent many hours driving Greg on his paper route. They frequently played bingo and cards, put puzzles together, did word search, read, gardened, attended church and cooked together. She was always so proud of Greg; he occupied a huge part of her heart. They will always remain very close in spirit.

Louise volunteered for many community organizations and church activities. She prepared many dishes for funerals and baked pies for St. Anthony's Youth food booth at the Logan County Fair. She was a devoted member of the Legion of Mary for many years, Catholic Daughters and Mother Cabrini Circle.

Louise is survived by her thirteen children: Patricia Kloberdanz, Rita Heimbegner, Anita (Joe) Kiolbasa, Larry Kloberdanz, Virginia (Ron) McBride, Richard (Elaine) Kloberdanz, Gregory Kloberdanz, and Jeff (Chris) Kloberdanz, all of Sterling, CO, Kathy Owen of Castle Rock, CO, Colleen (Frank) Carmichael and Theresa Carter of Joplin, MO, Joseph (Jane) Kloberdanz III of Saginaw, MI and Debra Kloberdanz-Barnes of Springfield, MO; 31 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren & great-great grandchildren; adopted son Father Jacek Zdrzalek of Rome, Italy, a Polish priest who always referred to Louise as his "American mother"; goddaughter Caroline McCarty; brother-in-law Jim Fitch; and special friends Vi Winter of Lakewood, CO; Dick and Joan Wilder, Virginia Stieb-Yahn and Mary Kiolbasa all of Sterling, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe; brother, Don Dal Ponte; and sisters Theresa Steinbach, Mary Mildenberger, Esther Vecchia and Ann Leino.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Louise Kloberdanz Memorial Fund, in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751. This memorial was established to benefit several organizations.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home.