John H. Klapperich

John H. Klapperich, 67, of Fond du Lac, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 17, 2016. He was born in Sheboygan on June 6, 1948 to Herbert and Anita (Mullenbach) Klapperich. John grew up on the family farm in Marytown and graduated from New Holstein High School in 1966, continuing his education at Spencerian College in Milwaukee. On October 26, 1974, he married Debra Chikowski at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac.



He served in the United States Army from 1968-1971, stationed in Karlsrue, (then) West Germany receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1971. In 1971, John began his career with Giddings & Lewis in the IT Department, transferring to Gilman Engineering in Janesville where he served as Manager of the Information Systems Department, retiring after 35 years in 2006. After retiring, John worked during the spring/summer at Whispering Springs Golf Course as well as during the fall/winter at Holiday Automotive. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Community, serving on the Buildings & Grounds Committee. Since 2008, John had volunteered over 1,200 hours with Agnesian Healthcare, primarily in the patient discharge area. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (KC) as well as a bowler in the KC League.



John loved the game of golf, but most important to him was his love for his 5 beautiful granddaughters who gave him the most joy.



He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Debra; 3 children, Jackie (Gary) Thorpe, Mike (Kelly Schmitz) and Mark; 5 granddaughters, Addison and Mallory Thorpe, Rylee and Grace, and Joelle; a sister, Evie (Bill) Whittaker; and a brother, Gerry (Ann). John is further survived by his mother-in-law, Angie Chikowski; 3 sisters-in-law, Sharon (Ken) Przybyl, Carol (Ken) Martin and Linda (Brian) Zamzow; 2 brothers-in-law, Allen Chikowski and Gary (Julie) Chikowski; as well as many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Anita Klapperich; his father in law, Edmund “Chief” Chikowski; a niece, Tammy Whittaker; and several aunts and uncles.







VISITATION for John will be held Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave. in Fond du Lac and again at church on Friday, April 22, 2016 from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass. The Mass of Christian Burial, beginning at 11:00 AM, will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, 271 4th St. Way in Fond du Lac. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion, Trier-Puddy Post #75.



In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Holy Family Catholic Community and/or the Stained Glass Window Campaign at Holy Family.