Erwin "Gus" Klatt

Erwin Gus Klatt, 100, Fort Atkinson, died peacefully on Friday, November 26, 2010, with his son by his side.
He was born on May 24, 1910 in Green Lake, the son of the late Gustave and Ida (Oelke) Klatt.
Gus was valedictorian of his high school class of 1929 in Green Lake, a graduate of Ripon College, and earned a Master of Philosophy degree from UW-Madison.
He met his future wife, Arlene Guernsey, while teaching together at Bayfield. They were married on August 19, 1939. She died after 58 years of marriage on June 7, 1998.
After participating in the war effort by being an instructor in the Brazillian Air Force, Gus settled in Fort Atkinson. He left teaching to become a customer service representative for the Wisconsin Electric Power Company, retiring in 1975.
Gus believed it was his civic duty to make Fort Atkinson a community of which everyone could be proud. Some of his many accomplishments include: being a life-long Lions Club member, Justice of the Peace, county board supervisor, beautification council member, city band founder, hospital auxiliary volunteer and Civil Air Patrol leader. He belonged to the First United Methodist church and was its choir director for many years.
He was involved in two projects that energized his soul, spearheading the construction of the Fort Stockade replica at Rock River Park, and becoming wagon master for the State of Wisconsin during the bicentennial celebration in 1976.
Many honors have been bestowed upon Gus because of his selfless actions. The Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce have recognized his efforts with their highest awards. He filled his 100 years with community involvement, family commitment, and lifelong friendships.
Survivors include his daughter, Alice (Ed) Pennewill of South Riding, VA; his son, Ronald (Lynnette) Klatt of Neenah; five grandchildren, Amy Nichoalds, Eric Hess, Amanda Klatt, Heather (Mike) Delie, Aaron (Courtney) Klatt; three great grandchildren, Emily Krostue, Shawn Nichoalds, Reilly Klatt; special nephew, Richard Jahnke, other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Preceding him in death was an infant son and his brother, Raymond.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 3, 2010, at 1 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Russell Frees Jr., officiating.
Friends may call from 12 p.m. on Friday at the church until the time of service.
A memorial fund has been established in Guss honor.
The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.
A special thank-you to dads angels, The Visiting Angels, without whose help, Gus would not have been able to be in his home the past year.

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