James Klahr

FITCHBURG - James P. Klahr, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024, surrounded by family, plus a little polka music in the background. Jim was born in Winona, MN on January 11, 1932, the only child to William and Jeanette Klahr. Young Jimmy grew up in the depression era, living in a farmhouse with an outhouse in the back yard. He started first grade in a one-room schoolhouse. Jim graduated from high school in 1950 in Farmington, MN where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. Jim was also class president, acted in plays, and attended “Gopher Boys State”. Jim received his draft notice from Uncle Sam in 1953 and spent 14 months in Korea as an Army Supply Sergent. After Korea, Jim graduated college in 1958 at Mankato State (MN) and started a long teaching and coaching career. It was his first year in Oregon (WI) where Jimmy earned his nick name “Hubba Hubba” as he warmed up the football team. Jim went on to teach Special Education at Longfellow School (Madison) where he met his best friend, John “Captain” Lohr. Jim then taught for 21 years at East High school (Madison) where he also coached football & baseball and was the announcer for hockey games. It was in 1958 at a dance in Adrian, MN where Jimmy met Mary Louise Hill. They married in 1960 and moved to Grandpa Lyle Hill’s farmhouse in Fitchburg - the site of the future “Harvest Haven” where Jimmy would spend many hours in the Strawberry fields. Here, Jim and Mary started their family two at a time. First with twins, Jon & Bill (1961), then two girls, Kathy (1963) & Joan (1965), then another set of twins – Mike and Dan (1967).

Jimmy was a big sports fan and never missed a Badger or Packer’s game. Jim and Mary were able to attend several Badger Rose Bowl games as he and Mary would take month long (winter) vacations in California to visit Bill and family. Jim was very sociable and loved stopping in for a “cold one” at his many favorite watering holes. Jim liked to write poetry and wrote poems for many events including birthdays and family weddings. His children and grandchildren lovingly referred to him as Opa, which means grandpa in German. They learned all about eating strawberries and tomatoes right out of the garden. He also passed on his love for hunting, fishing, and camping to his family. Jim was incredibly generous with his time and talents. He always took the time to attend his children’s sporting events. Plus, he played outside pushing the grandkids in the “Big Bear Swing”. Sometimes he would pitch about 147 balls to the 17 grandchildren when they came to visit. He taught many kids how to ride a 2-wheel bike. He would run alongside the riders until they could ride on their own. He said he must have run about 942 miles teaching everyone to ride a bike. He remarked that this was the reason they had to repave the roads every couple of years. Like the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, each man's life touches so many other lives.

Jimmy (and Mary) leave behind their (6) children, Jon (Liz) Waukesha, WI, Bill (Sue) Redondo Beach, CA, Kathy (Kerry) Henderson, Cedarburg, WI, Joan (Mike) Bald Freeport, IL, Mike (Heidi) Verona, WI, and Dan (Shannon) Eau Claire, WI, along with (17) grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his wife Mary and his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, WI, on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 S. Enterprise Dr. Verona from 4:00 – 6:00 PM and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Special Olympics. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625