Edwin T. Klais

Ed KlaisFennimore – Edwin T. Klais, age 85, died on Thursday morning April 30, 2015 at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Society.  Edwin was born on March 26, 1930 the son of Joseph and Barbara (Smith) Klais.  He graduated from Fennimore High School in 1948. Ed married Arlene Wilkinson in 1954 and together they had a son Stanley.  Ed was divorced and remarried Etta Wenger on Jan. 14, 1961 in Verona, WI.  They had three children; Susan, John, and Joe.

Ed and Etta owned and operated Fennimore Lanes from 1970 to 1991. He was a director of the Grant/Iowa Tavern League for many years and a member of the local Kiwanis Club.  Ed enjoyed fishing and playing cards.  He had a love for children and many would describe him as having a heart of gold.  This was evidenced by his endless pursuit of aluminum cans, which he collected and donated the proceeds to Wisconsin Badger Camp.  His donations began in 1970 and continued until his death.

Ed is survived by his four children; Stanley (Sue) Klais of Winter, WI, Susan (Dean) Porter of Bloomington, WI and John and Joe Klais, both of Fennimore, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, wife Etta in 2007, and a brother Wesley Klais.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday May 4, 2015 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church with Rev. Duane Andrus officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Monday morning.  Private family burial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of plants and flowers a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Edwin T. Klais.