John Robert Klawitter

John Robert Klawitter, age 78, of Fond du Lac, WI, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

He was born October 27, 1946, at St. Agnes Hospital, the eldest son of the late Robert and Marie (Michels) Klawitter.

John attended St. Joseph’s grade school and graduated from Goodrich High School, class of 1964. He completed his apprenticeship earning his Journeyman’s Card as a Machinist Erector at Giddings and Lewis in 1968. His career in machining, maintenance and leadership spanned more than 40 years, retiring from Mercury Marine in 2008. He was passionate about his work and dedicated himself to continuous improvement.

John married Sandra Larson in 1968. Together they raised two daughters, Ann (James) O’Donnell and Kelly (Matthew) Thomas. They were blessed with one granddaughter, Tayler (John) Garvey, three grandsons, John O’Donnell, Jake O’Donnell and Mason Thomas, followed by a great granddaughter Sloan Garvey and another baby on the way.

John was a supportive husband, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend to many. He especially enjoyed his time with the “ROMEOs” Jeff, Roger and Jim. He loved all things motorsports, attending Road America events with his friend Gary. John enjoyed reading, music, motorcycling, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and all his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Weekends and summers were often spent at his family cabin with his golden retriever by his side.

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, John is survived by one brother David (Janice) Klawitter and two sisters; Susan (Jon) Rauls and Melanie Klawitter, three brothers-in-law; Patrick O’Brien, Jim Larson, and David (Jeanne) Larson and one sister-in-law Julie Husnick, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by an infant daughter, two sisters-in-law Linda (Patrick) O’Brien and Darlene (Jim) Larson and one brother-in-law Patrick (Julie) Husnick.

John’s family invites friends and relatives to a time of visitation on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Fond du Lac from 10:00 AM until 11:15 AM. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place following the visitation at 11:30. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials in John’s name may be directed to the Fondy Food Pantry.