John R. Klas, 82, of Burlington, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021 at his home.
John was born in Milwaukee on April 17, 1939, to Marvin and Elizabeth (nee Stein) Klas. He earned degrees in education and psychology related fields from Marquette University, Tulane University, UW Milwaukee and UW Madison. On Oct. 26, 1968, at Holy Redeemer Church in Milwaukee, he was united in marriage to Jean Weber. Following marriage, they resided in Milwaukee, Watertown, Oconomowoc, Waterford and most recently Rochester for the past 14 years.
John was a life-long learner and educator and served in many roles, including elementary school teacher, school psychologist and Director of Special Education in several school districts in southeastern Wisconsin. Most recently, he volunteered at the Franciscan Missions in Waterford and was inducted into the Order of Secular Franciscans St. Paschal Baylon in 2019. John will be remembered for his servant heart, his kindness, his counsel to family and friends, his sense of humor and the many delicious meals he prepared for his family at holidays.
John also served in the US Army from 1964 until 1969. He served stateside during the Vietnam War as First Lieutenant in the Adjutant General’s Corps in New Orleans.
John is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Greg Klas of Rochester, Andrea (Jason) Daniels of Oconomowoc, Katy (Ed) Dueppen of Waunakee and Emily (Greg) Moser of Brookfield; grandchildren, Alex and Elliott Dueppen, Ari Daniels and Myles Moser; and siblings, Ann (Brian) Zemke, Gary (Mary Ellen) Klas, and sister-in-law Lois Klas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Klas.
The family would like to thank ProHealth Home Hospice and John’s extended family who prayed for him during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Franciscan Missions, PO Box 130, Waterford, WI 53185 or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S. First St., Waterford, WI 53185.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Wednesday, June 9, 2021 from 4 until 7 p.m. at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home and again on Thursday June 10, 2021 from 9 until 10 a.m. at the Church. Private burial will be held at St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
“He that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5, 19
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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