Ronald A. Klawitter

Ronald A. Klawitter, age 88, of Merrillville, formerly of Syracuse, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, December 8th, 2024. He was born on February 29, 1936, (Leap Year twin.)

Ronald developed a deep love for music from a young age, and it remained a lifelong passion. He and his brothers formed a Polka band, called the Klawitter Combo, and Ronald later became a member of the Lake Area Community Band in Syracuse, playing clarinet or saxophone. He also played in the Grace College Wind Ensemble.

He graduated in 1953 from Thornton Fractional North High School (Calumet City, IL). Ronald was in the Army and served mostly in Germany. Upon his return from service, Ron & Dolores married August 1, 1959.  For over 30 years, he worked as a Computer Programmer at Republic Steel, and during his retirement, he took on various odd jobs.

He was a member of Holy Martyrs Catholic Church in Merrillville. Previously living in Ohio, he made a Christ Renews His Parish weekend which deepened his prayer and spiritual life.  While living in Syracuse, Indiana he attended St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and served as lector, usher, choir member, and money counter. His love for Jesus further deepened after attending a Cursillo weekend. Ronald was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he volunteered serving as the batter maker for their pancake breakfasts and assisting at their weekly Bingo concession stand, where he would bake delicious cookies.  Regularly he would participate in the friendly, yet competitive game of poker.

In his free time, Ronald enjoyed an array of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, horseshoes, golfing, and taking his pontoon boat out on lake Wawasee. Every spring, he would plant a garden and maintain multiple compost piles.  He especially looked forward to the annual weekend getaways with his army buddies and their spouses. Indoors he took great pleasure in working on puzzles, up until the week before his passing.  When family and the grandchildren would visit, lively and competitive games of Hands and Feet, Golf, and 10,000 dice would ensue.

Ronald loved his wife and family dearly.  He was known for his good-natured spirit, keen sense of humor, and joyful demeanor.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dolores, children; Mary Jo (Rich) Muha, David Klawitter, grandchildren; Kevin (Emily), Sarah, Logan, Ryan, Jack, and Megan, great-grandchildren; Ellen, Amelia, Isabelle, son-in-law, Kurt Kroothoep, and sister-in-law, Carole Klawitter.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Martha Klawitter, daughter, Lori Kroothoep, and siblings, Joseph (Diane) and Donald. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. CST DIRECTLY at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, located at 801 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville, IN, with Fr. Steven Caraher celebrating. Cremation will follow after the services.

Friends are invited to meet with the family on Friday, December 13th, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST at White Funeral Home, located at 921 W. Glen Park Ave. (45th Ave.) Griffith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area or to the Lake Area Community Band, P.O. Box 123, Syracuse, IN 46567.

For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit our website at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

Holy Martyrs Parish Merrillville, In. - YouTube

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