I was born and grew up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.  I enjoyed art since I was a young girl and was always crafting in my spare time.  My first exposure to pottery was a mini course during my sophomore year of high school.  We went to the Plover River and dug up our own clay and prepared it for our pieces which I still have today. Although I loved art, I didn't think I could make a living as an artist so I pursued Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison since I was pretty good at math.  After school I went to work at the Trane Company in LaCrosse, WI where I met my future husband Dan Wichman, another Engineer.  After I was laid off from Trane, Dan and I lived and worked in several places before settling in Minneapolis, Minnesota where we eventually married.  We were blessed with three beautiful daughters; first Katie and three years later twins Laura and Sarah.  My daughters were the focus of my life although I continued to work at Onan/Cummins for thirty years as a Design Engineer. My daughters brought me so much joy and fulfillment.  Katie pursued pottery in high school and was quite a talented potter; and later, Laura and Sarah also took a course in pottery.  I proudly displayed their pieces as I remembered the joy pottery brought to me as a girl.  Now Katie is pursuing Aerospace Engineering, Sarah Structural Engineering and Laura Physical Therapy in three different states. I retired two years ago and attended pottery courses at several places. Dan set up a pottery studio in our basement where I continue to pursue this passion.  My 3 daughters klay pottery is named after my daughters who continue to inspire me.

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Deb Klinkert