J E N N I F E R   R U D E   K L E T T


freelance writer of history, home, garden, food & Midwestern life 

About Jennifer

Native Wisconsinite Jennifer Rude Klett is a freelance nonfiction writer and photojournalist for print and digital publications covering topics such as history, home & garden, travel, food, and life in Midwestern U.S.A. She is a journalism graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and former newspaper reporter. Jennifer's work has appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin State Journal, Waukesha Freeman, Sussex Sun, Lake Country Reporter, North Shore Herald, Brookfield News, Beloit Daily News, Forth Worth Star-Telegram, and Minnesota West Central Tribune; and several magazines including Organic Grower. She is a repeat guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's Central Time, and appeared on the Chicago television show Public Perspective. Jennifer is the author of three nonfiction books including two cookbooks: Home Cooking Comfort:  More Neighborly Advice & Recipes from the Farm Kitchen of a Midwestern Food Journalist" (2022), and Home Cooking Comeback: Neighborly Advice & 40 Pleasing Recipes from the Farm Kitchen of a Midwestern Food Journalist (2021). She is also the author of Alamo Doughboy: Marching Into The Heart Of Kaiser's Germany During World War I, first published in 2014 by Branden Books. The second edition of Alamo Doughboy, published in 2019, is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook, along with her two cookbooks on Amazon.


Past Author Appearances:

Menomonee Falls Public Library, Menomonee Falls WI

Schwoerer Acres Shop Small Saturday Market, Black Earth WI

Asbury Methodist Church Best Timers Luncheon, Madison WI

Beloit Intermediate Women's Group, Beloit WI

Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library, Baraboo WI

Black Earth Public Library Author Fair, Black Earth WI

Elm Grove School for Lifelong Learning, Elm Grove WI

Lake Geneva Public Library, Lake Geneva WI

Kiel Public Library, Kiel WI

Beloit Public Library, Beloit WI

Mukwonago Community Library, Mukwonago WI

Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield WI

Ruth Culver Community Library, Prairie du Sac WI

West Bend Community Memorial Library, West Bend WI

Black Earth Historical Society, Black Earth WI

Twentieth Century Topics Club, Wauwatosa WI

Daughters of the American Revolution, Oconomowoc WI

Wauwatosa Woman's Club, Wauwatosa WI

Minnesota Military Museum Camp Ripley, Little Falls MN

Military History Fest, St. Charles IL

McFarland Historical Society, McFarland WI

Kiwanis Golden K Club, Elm Grove WI

Southeastern Wisconsin Festival of Books, Waukesha WI

Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison WI

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Fenton MO & Edina MN

Orchard Terrace, St. Louis MO

90th Division Association Reunion, St. Louis MO

Book World, Willmar MN

Kandiyohi County Historical Society, Willmar MN

Books & Company, Oconomowoc WI

Mighty 8th Air Force Historical Society, Milwaukee WI

World War I at Midway Village, Rockford IL 

Delafield Public Library, Delafield WI

Wildwood Lake Book Club, Menomonee Falls WI


"I just wanted to tell you how much all the Intermediate Club members loved your program! I've heard nothing but wonderful comments. At out book cub, everyone was talking about what recipe they wanted to make. I love the cookbooks as well! I can't wait to make the recipes and even bought some ingredients. Thank you again for being such a great speaker!"

-N. Wallace, Beloit Intermediate Women's Group, November 2022


Jennifer is available to speak to your group in person, please contact her to inquire about dates and fees. Topics include cooking & food, and the U.S. doughboy experience in World War I. Church, library, civic, historical, and veterans groups are particularly receptive to Jennifer's topics.


jennifer@jrudeklett.com

12 Fun Facts About Jennifer:


  • I was born and lived all but three years of my life in Wisconsin; raised in the 'burbs but now live on a farm.
  • I am tall and come from other tall people . . . the only girl with a bunch of tall brothers.
  • I love to cook, bake and plant things especially burr oak trees, the greatest tree on God's green Earth.
  • I appreciate and subscribe to many print media. I surround myself with books.
  • I stock at least four flours in my kitchen.
  • I eat cheese every day. Usually, more than once a day. I also make cheese on occasion.
  • In my opinion, beagles are the cutest dogs and marmalades are the cutest cats. 
  • I believe you can solve most of your problems at church, the library, and the hardware store.
  • I think history is important because it provides a sense of context. Traveling does that, too.
  • I have slumber parties every year with girlfriends I've known since high school.
  • I am drawn to simplicity and functionality.
  • I am a serial redecorator.

BONUS FUN FACT: 
  • My idea of a good time is whacking invasive trees and finding a nearby native oak.