Walter O. Klapel

Walter O. Klapel 93, 607 S. 22nd Ave., Wausau, died Monday, March 15, 2004 at Wausau Manor Nursing Home. He was born May 11, 1910 in Big Stone County, Minn., son of the late Henry and Rosa (Haase) Klapel. On June 18, 1941 he married Ruth Kummerow at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rib Falls. Walter and Ruth operated a dairy farm in Rib Falls for 31 years. Later he was employed at Kolbe Lumber Co. for over 16 years. Walter was a director of Marathon Co-op for 15 years and a member of American Holstein Breeders for 20 years, serving as president for 12 years. He was also a director of Dairy Herd Improvement Association for 9 years, National Holstein Breeders Association for 50 years, earning a lifetime certificate and belonged to the State Holstein Breeders Association for 16 years. Walter was also a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rib Falls for over 50 years, serving on the church council for 17 years. Walter was honored with a "Farmer of the Year Award" in 1969 at the Wisconsin State Fair. Survivors besides his wife Ruth Klapel, Wausau, include many nieces, nephews and friends. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, a brother John Klapel, and two sisters, Alice Draeger and Rose Tess. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 18, 2004 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rib Falls. Rev. Terry Reich will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Rib Falls. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com