John Klatt

If a man’s wealth were measured in hearts touched, then John Klatt would have riches beyond measure as he inspired so many others who were within his reach. He was a devoted family man to be sure, and although he loved being a father he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was his true reward. John was known for his strong work ethic, and he never slowed down throughout his entire life’s journey. An avid outdoorsman to his core, he loved being surrounded by the peace and beauty of Gordon Lake, and the things he loved were even better when they were shared with the people he loved. Taken from his loved ones too soon, John will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his many friends and family members.

The first half of the 1940s was a time of great trial as the eyes of our nation were focused on the perils of war overseas. WWII landed on our doorstep on December 7, 1941, which sent countless young servicemen and women overseas shortly thereafter. Those who remained stateside became all too familiar with rationing on common goods such as rubber, paper, sugar, and coffee, and victory gardens were planted to lessen the strain on a struggling agricultural industry. It was just as WWII came to an end that a young family from Ovid, Michigan, was delighted with the birth of a healthy baby boy on September 22, 1945. John R. was the third of five children born to his parents, Adolph and Dorothy (Zoellner) Klatt, and he was raised on the 80 acre pig farm alongside his brothers, Willard and Leonard, and his sisters, Gloria and Mary. Farm life provided John with the opportunity to learn the value of hard work at a young age as he was responsible for all sorts of farm chores. As he got a bit older he also worked on some neighboring farms to earn a little extra money.

In many ways John experienced a typical upbringing. He was a student at Dennison School in Ovid, and he found that he liked school, too. John was an active young boy who played baseball and developed a passion for the outdoors and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He continued his formal education through the eighth grade. When he was 18 John began working as a tree trimmer at Michigan Share Tree, and it was on his 18th birthday that he took the trip to Gordon Lake in Ontario, Canada, that would leave him forever changed. He loved it there - so much so that he went there for annual visits for the 50 years that followed.

New and exciting changes were in store for John when he met the young woman of his dreams while they were working together at Owosso Motor Products. Her name was Terry Berry, and they enjoyed spending time together. They often drove around looking at deer in John’s ’68 camaro. After falling deeply in love, John and Terry were married on April 12, 1969, in Corunna. Together they welcomed two sons into their hearts and home, Russell and Kevin. John was an excellent father who was an active part of his sons’ lives. He may have been a bit strict at times, but his children always knew that they were deeply loved. John instilled within his boys the importance of a strong work ethic by the example he set, and he also shared his passions with them by teaching them how to hunt and fish. When his kids were younger he and Terry rented cabins on Gordon Lake with their boys, and they brought property of their own on the lake in 1999. It was a day to celebrate when their cabin on the property was completed in 2004. John was the adventure seeker in the family, and together they enjoyed things like canoe trips together.

Always one to work hard, John was dedicated to his work no matter what he was doing. He spent 24 years working for Farmer Peet Packing Company until they closed. He then began working as an iron worker at Woodruff Contracting where he remained until he retired in 2008 after ten years of devoted service.

Even during his later years John never slowed down. He was overjoyed to become a grandfather, and being with his grandchildren was a favorite activity from the time they were born. Of course he loved teaching them all about the outdoors, too. During the past ten years John enjoyed going to Sugarbush to help tap trees and gather sap for making maple syrup. Hunting, often with his beagles and German shorthairs remained a favorite activity as well.

A man who lived life to the fullest each day, John Klatt was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was never one to worry about the little things and lived a life of purpose each day. First and foremost in John’s life was his family, and he was happiest when surrounded by his loved ones. The memories he leaves behind will never be forgotten.

John R. Klatt died on July 10, 2013. John’s family includes his wife, Terry; sons, Russell (Bonnie) Klatt of Bannister, Kevin (Heather) Klatt of Laingsburg; grandchildren, Kelsey (Chris) Adams, Trent Mizer, Trevor Klatt, Wyatt Klatt; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard (Elaine) Klatt; one sister, Mary; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Willard Klatt; and sister, Gloria Wrigglesworth. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, July 14, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid, with cremation to follow. Memorial donations may be made in John’s honor, to the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about John and to view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/92572. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.