(Retired Lieutenant With US Navy)
Virgil “Dutch” M. Klotzner, 95, of Waterville, OH (formerly of Michigan, Florida, Washington, Virginia, Iran, Rhode Island, South Carolina, California, Massachusetts, and Scotland), passed away November 17, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Great Falls, Montana, to Paul Oswin Klotzner and Romie Benson Fleet Klotzner on April 9, 1929. He grew up in Sun River, MT, working on the family farm.
He attended a one room schoolhouse through the eighth grade where he developed a lifelong appreciation for learning.
In December of 1945, Dutch enlisted in the US Navy. While in the Navy, he was an electronics technician and then attended Nuclear Power School and began working on submarines.
When stationed in Hawaii, Dutch met Jane Blanchard, the love of his life. They were married June 27, 1959.
He served his country admirably for 30 years before retiring as a Lieutenant. He continued to work as a government contractor in the electronics and computer industry until 1988, when he fully entered his retirement life.
He and his wife, Jane, traveled the US for the next 5 years in an RV, visiting every US state except Alaska. Although he was intensely driven much of his life, he found enjoyment in traveling, fishing and gardening. He always loved having a canine friend around, too.
He enjoyed 15 years of warm weather living in Florida before relocating to Michigan for the next 10. His move to Storypoint in Waterville, was his final landing spot.
He thoroughly enjoyed his life there. Going to the gym to exercise, cardio drumming, and word search puzzles kept him busy. He loved visiting with his friends and family, including his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dutch is survived by his two daughters, Tamara (Terry) Kluge of Lapeer, MI and Kristina (John) Bowser of Swanton, OH as well as grandchildren Kaitlyn (Jesse) Brandel, Bethany Bowser, Kyle Bowser, and Rebekah Bowser. He is also survived by two great granddaughters, Sutton and Lennon Brandel.
Dutch was preceded in death by his wife Jane, parents, brother Oswin “Ace” Klotzner, sister Rose Erna Yockey, and sister Mildred Peterson.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Dutch’s life on Tuesday, November 26th at Storypoint (1470 Pray Blvd., Waterville, OH 43566) from 2-4. A private interment will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Grand Blanc, MI at a later date.
Arrangements by Weigel Funeral Home (419.826.2631).