John F. Klapkowski, 90, World War II Veteran, hobbies included gardening, walking, ballroom dancing, and playing cards
John F. Klapkowski, age 90, of Lorain, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at the home of his daughter following an extended illness. He was born June 2, 1912 in Lorain and had been a life-long resident of the city.
Mr. Klapkowski was a World War II U.S. Army Veteran serving with the 376th Infantry, 95th Division in Northern France and Central Europe. He was the recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon with three Bronze Service Stars, as well as the American Theater Ribbon.
John was employed for 36 years as a rigger in the coke plant at the National Tube Company (predecessor to United States Steel Corporation) of Lorain, he retired in 1976. Prior to his affiliation with the steel company, he sailed the Great Lakes as crewman aboard various ore boats.
Mr. Klapkowski's hobbies include gardening, walking, and ballroom dancing. Additional interests included trips to Las Vegas as well as playing cards at various social clubs throughout Lorain.
Survivors include a daughter Diane Loving of Lorain, one grandson Nick, sister Estelle Klapkowski of Lorain. Sophie Maticic residing in California, and brother William Klapkowski of Lorain.
He was preceded in death by his wife Helen (nee Detz), his parents Stanley and Dolores (nee Mika) Klapkowski, brothers: Bruno, Edward, and Stanley, and sister: Emily Dembek and Wanda Rybarczyk.
Visitation will be Friday, May 2, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., in Lorain. Closing prayers will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM in the funeral chapel and will be followed by services at 10:00 AM in Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4501 Clinton Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend Fred Lassen will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where military honors will be conducted by officers and members of Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans.