SYRACUSE – Donald John “Don” Klawitter, 79, Syracuse, passed away July 6, 2015, in his residence. He was born Feb. 29, 1936, in Hammond, to Joseph F. and Martha Mikolajczak Klawitter. On Sept. 22, 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart, Carole M. “Caro” Koontz, who survives. They were married 58 years. He was a graduate of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish (Calumet City, Ill.) Elementary School and a 1953 graduate of Thornton Fractional North High School, Calumet City. He was a supervisor of system operations at Inland Steel (Arcelor Mittal), East Chicago, for 38 years. He moved to Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, in 1992 from Highland, to fulfill a dream of living on a lake. He enjoyed being the captain of a boat and providing many memorable rides and fishing with the family and grandchildren. He was a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church where he was an usher, choir member and head money counter; and he volunteered for the Knights of Columbus Council 6323, Syracuse, where he was a 3rd Degree Knight and quite active with the Saturday night charity bingo. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 4511, Warsaw, where he was a 4th Degree Knight; a member of Sons of the American Legion Post 253, North Webster; and the Eagles Lodge, Syracuse, where he served as auditor for the auxiliary; and he was a volunteer at Syracuse Food Pantry. Music was always a part of his life. At the age of 8, he started playing drums and was a dedicated drummer/percussionist his entire life. He formed a group with his brothers known as the Klawitter Combo. He was a member of the Touch of Class music group, a 25-year charter member of the Lake Area Community band and a guest percussionist with Grace College Wind Ensemble. He loved to listen to polka bands and could never resist dancing the polka with his honey and kids. He never missed an opportunity to play instruments with his grandchildren and was so proud when they participated in playing with the Lake Area Community Band. He was a self-taught organist and enjoyed playing for fun and at holidays. His signature song was “Drifting and Dreaming.” He also enjoyed a good round of golf, whether with family or in a league. He was an avid bowler and was a ringer in backyard horseshoes. He will be remembered as loving, selfless and forever giving to others. He was a role model, mentor and inspiration to those around him. Above all, his family was first and foremost as he truly loved them beyond his own needs. For this, he will be greatly missed. Also surviving are: his son, Kenneth (and spouse Paulette) Klawitter, Valparaiso; two daughters, Kathleen Klawitter, Maggie Valley, N.C., and Kim Klawitter Valparaiso; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Cayla Klawitter, both of Valparaiso; a twin brother, Ronald (and spouse Dolores) Klawitter, Syracuse; and special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joseph Klawitter Jr. Services will be at 10 a.m. EST Saturday at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Parish, 6943 E. Waco Drive, Syracuse, with Father Richard Hire officiating. Cremation is in Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. Ind. 15, Warsaw. Calling is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. EST Friday, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Rosary is at 7:30 p.m. Join the family to remember a life lived to its fullest from noon to 7 p.m. CST July 19, 2015, at Kim Klawitter’s residence, 1309 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN 46363. ***** Memorials to IU Goshen Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 723, Goshen, IN 46527; or Black Pine Animal Sanctuary www.blackpine.org 1426 W. CR 300N, Albion, IN 46701. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. Condolences via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
