Donald J. "Don" Klawitter

Donald John “Don” Klawitter, 79, of Syracuse, IN passed away on Monday, July 6, 2015 at his home.  He was born on February 29, 1936 in Hammond, IN to Joseph F. & Martha (Mikolajczak) Klawitter.

Don was a graduate of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish (Calumet City, IL) Elementary School and a 1953 graduate of Thornton Fractional North High School (Calumet City, IL).  On September 22, 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart Carole M. “Caro” Koontz of 58 years who survives.  He was a Supervisor of System Operations at Inland Steel (Arcelor Mittal) in East Chicago, IN for 38 years, and then moved to Lake Wawasee (Syracuse, IN) in 1992 from Highland, IN to fulfill a dream of living on a lake.  Don enjoyed being the captain of the boat; providing many memorable rides and fishing with the family and grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church where he was an usher, choir member and head money counter; volunteered for the Knights of Columbus Council 6323 (Syracuse, IN) where he was a 3rd Degree Knight and quite active with the Saturday night charity BINGO. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 4511 (Warsaw, IN) where he was a 4th Degree Knight; Sons of the American Legion Post 253 in North Webster; Eagles Lodge in Syracuse where he served as auditor for the auxiliary, and a volunteer at Syracuse Food Pantry.

Music was always a part of Don’s life.  At the age of 8, he started playing drums and was a dedicated drummer (percussionist) his entire life; forming a group with his brothers known as the Klawitter Combo.  He was a member of the Touch of Class music group, a 25 year charter member of the Lake Area Community Band and a guest percussionist with Grace College Wind Ensemble.  Don loved to listen to Polka bands and could never resist dancing the Polka with his honey and kids.  He never missed an opportunity to play instruments with his grandchildren and was so proud when they participated in playing with the Lake Area Community Band. He was a self-taught organist and enjoyed playing for fun and at holidays.  His signature song was “Drifting and Dreaming”.

Don enjoyed a good round of golf whether with family or in a league. He was an avid bowler and was a ringer in backyard horseshoes.  Don will be remembered as loving, selfless and forever giving to others.  He was a role model, mentor and inspiration to those around him.

Above all this, his family was first and foremost as he truly loved them beyond his own needs.  For this he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife: Caro Klawitter of Syracuse, IN, Son-Kenneth (Paulette) Klawitter of Valparaiso, IN, 2 Daughters- Kathleen Klawitter of Maggie Valley, NC and Kim Klawitter of Valparaiso, IN, 2 Grandchildren-Benjamin and Cayla Klawitter both of Valparaiso, IN.  Twin Brother-Ronald (Dolores) Klawitter, Syracuse, IN. Special nieces, nephews & cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Martha, and brother –Joseph Klawitter Jr.

Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, July 10, 2015 at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN; Rosary at 7:30 p.m.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on July 11, 2015 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Parish, 6943 E Waco Drive, Syracuse with Father Richard Hire officiating. Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw, IN.

Memorial bequest may be given to IU Goshen Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 723, Goshen, IN 46527 or Black Pine Animal Sanctuary (http://www.blackpine.org/) 1426 W 300 N, Albion, IN 46701.

Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.

JOIN OUR FAMILY TO REMEMBER A LIFE LIVED TO ITS FULLEST to be held on Sunday, July 19, 2015, from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time) at Kim Klawitter’s residence, 1309 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN 46363