Frank Klauzer

Frank Klauzer, 98, passed away on February 16, 2021 in Andover, Kansas. His goal has always been to live to 100, and he got close, but unfortunately not all the way. We were looking forward to that celebration, and while not 100, he lived 98 full years – and that is worth celebrating in itself.

Frank was the third son of Frank, Sr. and Anna Klauzer. He was born in Mill Iron, Montana and lived there until he was 20 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942. He served as a bombardier navigator on B-24's, and flew for 23 years, serving in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. Frank retired from the Air Force in 1965. The family then moved to South Dakota, settling near Rapid City. Frank and Pat resided there until they moved to the ranch at Redig, SD; then over to Camp Crook, SD where Frank retired again, this time as Postmaster from the Postal Service. During his life, Frank worked as a farmer, cowboy, lumberjack, sheep herder, and real estate agent, in addition to his Military and Civil Services.

Frank was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Dietz) Klauzer; his parents Frank Sr. and Anna (Felix) Klauzer, his sisters, Annie Malenovsky, Mary Klauzer, Bertha Tallman, Agnes Blake; brothers, Larry, Thomas, John, and Albert Klauzer. He is survived by members of his family, including two children, Jim (wife Lyn) of Ontario, Oregon, Judy (husband Jim) Stroot of Andover, Kansas, two granddaughters, Jaimi (husband Nickolay) Schwarz of Chicago, Illinois, and Abby Stroot of Las Vegas, Nevada, two great grandchildren, Kira Nicole and Alexander James Schwarz, of Chicago, Illinois, his brother Raymond Klauzer and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Frank was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Frank was honored to participate in the 2019 Kansas Honor Flight in a trip to Washington DC with his son Jim. He was the oldest participant and the only veteran attending having served during three wartime campaigns.

Frank will be honored at a full Military service at the Black Hills National Cemetery, date and time yet to be determined, tentatively in May, 2021.

A memorial has been established with the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka, MT. The Carter County Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing science, history, and culture to the Montana community. Frank's Air Force uniform and memorabilia will be on exhibit, per his wishes. Your donation helps make it possible for the museum to keep the collections local and available to the public through exhibitions, educational programming, and outreach. All donations are tax deductible. Please forward donation directly to Carter County Museum, 306 N. Main St, Ekalaka, MT 59324 – Attention: Frank Klauzer Memorial Fund.