Robert Klapper

Robert “Bob” Klapper, of Montello, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 89 at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. Born on November 25, 1936, in Beaver Dam, he was the son of Edward and Eleanor (Kurkowski) Klapper. Bob graduated from Beaver Dam High School and served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. He completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado, and wheeled vehicle training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being stationed in West Germany for 18 months during the Berlin Crisis.

On November 28, 1959, Bob married Sandra Walters at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Together they raised four children and shared a life filled with simple joys. Bob’s lifelong love of bowling began as a pinsetter at his parents’ bowling alley, Club 33, in Beaver Dam. He found great pleasure in camping, fishing, woodworking, and singing karaoke. In his early career he worked in a factory, and later he and Sandy owned and operated Lakeside Bar and Klapper Realty in Montello, each for seven years. In retirement they spent more than twenty winters in Florida.

Bob is survived by his children: Dennis (Becky), Debra Buchholz, Daniel (Andrea), and Dina (Nathan) Schultz, all of Montello; his grandchildren: Connor (Emily), Emma (Joe), Matt (Tasha), Michelle, Aaron, Jesse, Tiffany, and Sophie (Spencer); and his six great-grandchildren: Deacon, Lennon, Dekker, Charlotte, Avery, and Daisy. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra, in 2022; his grandson, Sean Klapper; his son-in-law, Darrell Buchholz; his brother, Duane Klapper; and his sisters, Alice Imme and Joyce Hagen.