Michael J. Klawitter

Born in Townsend, WI December 8, 1936, Michael grew up on his parents' dairy farm. Because of a birth defect to his arm he was not able to milk the cows so he "got to ride the tractor." He didn't like riding the school bus so he chose to run to and from school most every day. He lettered in every sport available at Suring, WI High School, after which he began working testing milk. His mentor and brother in law, Bob Weiler, offered to train him in a career as a plumber. He worked his way up to become a master plumber, then branched out and became a master electrician as well. Along the way, he owned a hardware store, and worked as in-residence maintenance for a popular summer camp in Wisconsin. He was a volunteer fireman where he would fight for the right to drive the truck. He was active in the Lions Club, serving as the charter president for the club in Neshkoro, WI, he was congregation president at his Lutheran church there and taught Sunday School. Once he was no longer able to continue as a plumber he transitioned to owning a franchise for Wassau Homes becoming a top seller/builder for the company multiple times. Upon retirement, Michael moved to Texas, where he failed spectacularly at said retirement and began a 17 year long career with Walmart Stores. At some point during those 17 Walmart years Michael moved to Oklahoma where he learned to slow down slightly. Michael loved his Koi pond and Garden Railroad, and was very proud to be on garden tours showing off his hobbies. He was a born entertainer and corny joke teller. His stories were as legendary as they were patently false and funny. He enjoyed going on cruises with his wife, he was dedicated to his faith and his church, he was a wonderful father and step-father, and the best Poppy to have ever walked the earth. No deer was safe once seen through his scope, no softball was safe from his bat, no house was safe from his remodeling mind, no Green Bay Packer game was ever unwatched. He liked to brag that his single share of the Green Bay Packers made him part owner of his most beloved football team. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Hazel Klawitter, sisters Florence Holmes, Audrey Weiler and brothers Richard Klawitter, John Klawitter and Robert Klawitter (yeah it was a big family). He is survived by wife Kathy Klawitter, daughters Roberta Laufenberg (married to Vern Laufenberg), Robin Strahan and Amy Pinkerton, son Jay Klawitter (married to Teresa Klawitter), grandchildren Kristi Strahan, Kelly Strahan and Kaitlyn Pinkerton, sisters Edna McLaughlin and husband Bill, Sally Gustafson and husband Roger, sisters in law Florence Klawitter Jean Klawitter and Lynn Klawitter, along with numerous much loved nieces and nephews. All in all, you would consider Michael a class act, and a good man with a wicked sense of humor and a German temper- in other words he was amazing and will be missed. If you would like to celebrate the life of Michael, we invite you wear bright colors and join his family on April 17, 2017 11am at Redeemer Lutheran Church Claremore, OK.

Michael J. Klawitter

December 8, 1936 - April 6, 2017