Earl J. "Whitey" Klaas

 Earl J. "Whitey" Klaas, age 84, of Lancaster, died Sunday, March 9, 2008 at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born June 15, 1923 in Louisburg, WI, the son of Aloys and Elizabeth (Lange) Klaas. Earl graduated from Livingston High School in 1941. During WWII, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1943 - 1946 and was stationed in the Philippines. On May 23, 1949, he married Marjorie M. Henry in Lancaster. After their marriage, they farmed and together they raised their daughter. Earl was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster, the Knights of Columbus Council #2820, and the William Pollock VFW Post #2344. He enjoyed fishing and, in his younger days, loved to go dancing with his wife, Marge.

He is survived by his daughter, Sue (Charles) Kastner, Platteville; a grandson, Jeremy (friend Missy) Kastner, Potosi; a granddaughter, Heather (friend Jerry) Kastner, Madison; two great-granddaughters: Montana Kastner and Kienna Roberts; brother-in-law, Glenn Henry, Waukesha; sisters-in-law: Pearl (Raymond) Skaife, Lancaster; Catherine Klaas, Fennimore; and Lorraine Klaas, Lancaster; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, on September 17, 2007; his parents; four brothers: Orlin, Harold, Aelred, and Floyd Klaas; and a sister, Marrion Bowers.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial with military honors was in St. Clement Cemetery, South Lancaster Township. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 13, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.