Raymond Klotz

RAYMOND "Bud" L. KLOTZ, Age 79 of rural Maple Park, passed away Wednesday morning, August 17, 2005. Looking out over the farm where he was born and the land that was his life, he claimed his place in the "harvest home of heaven". For months, his wife Jeanette, their six children and families, had filled his last days with loving care and wonderful memories. BORN: He was born April 24, 1926 the son of Edwin and Bertha (Haish) Klotz. Ray graduated from Maple Park High School with the class of 1944, but he began his education just down the road from his farm, at the Renwick country school where he always arrived early in winter to start the fire. MARRIAGE On August 18, 1951 he was united in marriage to Jeanette Helen Fabrizius. They made their home on the family farm where they raised six children. Ray was a "forever farmer" who would pause at the field’s edge just to "smell the dirt" in the Spring and marvel at the beauty of the harvest in the fall. Although he worked hard, he took time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Some of the greatest chapters in his life were written over a cup of coffee at the the kitchen table.or the Kountry Kettle in Elburn. He declared in fact that he was a "Kountry Kettle Alumni" and looked forward to "going to school" there with friends each week. As much as he loved a good story, Ray was also a good listener, a quality that probably lead to his long tenure in a variety of community organizations including many years as a Pierce Township Trustee, Maple Park Fire District Trustee, the DeKalb County Cattleman’s Association and of course, the Polka Boosters of Wisconsin. Ray and Jennie loved to dance and even to his last days, his feet would tap to the beat of an old familiar polka. SURVIVORS Ray was devoted husband, father, grandpa, uncle and a dear friend to many. In addition to his wife of fifty four years, Jeanette, he leaves six children and their families:Sue (Bob) Jensen of St. Charles (Andrea , Jens and Ryan)Bob (Allison) Klotz of Maple Park, (Matthew, Jeanette and Elspeth)Karen (Dennis) Schmitt of Maple Park (David and Laura)Mary Jo (Mike) Cessna of Sycamore, (Katherine and Brad)Kate (Ken) Nelson of Maple Park, (Brandon and Rosemary)Lynn (Dan) Klein of Hinckley (Mark, Lee, Beth, Anne)PRECEDED He is preceded in death by his parents, One sister, Lucille Otto and one brother, Francis Klotz One nephew, Robert Swain. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his memory to help others. Checks may be made to the Raymond Klotz Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family through the same address or at www.conleycare.com.

VISITATION / FUNERAL Ray was a life-long member of the Church of St. Mary, Maple Park where family and friends will gather at the Church Hall, to share stories at visitation, Sunday afternoon, August 21, from 2-7pm. Wake services will be held at 2:30pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated Monday at 10am at the church where The Rev. Monsignor William Clausen will officiate

Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery Maple Park. Arrangements entrusted to Conley Funeral Home. 1-800-8-CONLEY.