"I was deeply saddened to hear about Buss' passing. I always considered him more than just a co-worker. I was proud to call him a friend. I will never forget the look on his face when he was given the very first Union Electric "Dairy Farmer Award". I will miss him and his sense of humor."
In loving memory of
Charles "Buss" Klapprott
March 9, 1924 - January 22, 2012
Charles George "Buss" Klapprott passed away January 22, 2012, in University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City, Iowa.
He was born March 9, 1924 in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Carl and Inez Milligan Klapprott. He married Gloria Whetstone on May 28, 1949. She preceded him in death in March 2002.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, a sister Phyllis Purves and a niece, Angie Whetstone and nephew, Brad Klapprott.
He is survived by a daughter, Debbie Boyd and her husband Pat of Keokuk, Iowa; two grandsons, Paxton Boyd and his wife Lyndsay of Keokuk, Iowa; Ryan Boyd and his wife Heather of Hamilton, Illinois; granddaughter, Jessica Kamps and her husband John of Warsaw, Illinois; three great grandchildren, Nick, Morgan and Lathan Boyd; two brothers, Carl Klapprott, Jr and his friend Betty of Arlington, Texas; Robert Klapprott and his wife Joan of Wichita, Kansas; brother-in-law, Conn Whetstone and his wife Nancy of Ocala, Florida; a cousin, Byron Klapprott and his wife Pat of Keokuk, Iowa; several nieces and a nephew and a wonderful circle of friends.
Charles was raised in Keokuk. He was employed by Union Electric Company and retired from there about 23 years ago. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks, the V.F.W. and the American Legion. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Honor Guard.
He was a gifted artist, an archer, a golfer, and a small craft pilot who had a true love of aviation. But mostly he loved spending time with his family and his friends. He was truly a wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew him.
He was a kind, giving, and caring man and we would like to think that in lieu of flowers if so, chosen, that a donation to a favorite charity or worthy cause would please him.
Tributes
"Debbie and Pat, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Buss. I hope it comforts you knowing what a great life he had and the pure joy he brought to others. He was simply the best friend to my mom and dad and was a favorite of our entire family. He always had a joke, hilarious comment and was truly full of life and side spliting fun. He was great in my book and I looked up to him as he was more ornery than I could ever be - I shall miss him. "
"I just saw Buss last month at Wal Mart he was purchasing a car battery...he looked great and after holding open the door for him and he placing the battery on the counter we had a great talk. So it was so sad to hear on KOKX on Monday he had passed away in Iowa City. Buss was the nicest most friendly "Dad" I ever knew. He was always so happy. Deb and I grew up together and for about ten years we played together. Buss was always so nice to me. My favorite memory was when Conn would come to visit, Buss and Conn would fly wooden airplanes on Fulton street. Jeff Hagmeir and I would sit in the Carpenders yard and watch these guys have so much fun. Later in life when Kay and I would go to the American Legion on Friday's to eat Catfish, Buss would come over and sit down and talk to us...but before he left our table...he would always tell us a joke...one that made you laugh. And at every funeral I attended at the National Cemetary, Buss was there to help fire a 21 gun salute to a fallen veteran. This is a friend I am going to miss forever. I was the lucky one...I got to grow up and know this wonderful man for close to 60 years. Keokuk lost a wonderful citizen...his family lost a ray of sunshine."
"To all the Klapprott Family: I have known Buss since he was in Jr. High at the same time I was, along with my brother, Bill, and his brother, Carl (Junie). That is a long time to be able to say "I knew him when!" I knew and loved his parents dearly, so know he is now at peace and with them and his sister, Phyllis! His photo is so Buss!! RIP,Buss, life was good! Lolie "
"I remember "Buss" always wore a smile and enjoyed a good laugh. I 1st met him before he retired & enjoyed his attitude toward life. We would later run into each other at a watering hole or one of his many civic duties. I will keep him & the families in our prayers"
"Debbie and Pat, Debbie, my sincere condolences to you and your entire family at the loss of your Father. May the pain and sorrow you now experience soon be replaced with cherished memories. Robert Boyd Prescott, Az"
"Debbie,Pat and children, Our sincere sympathy to you. I felt a bond with Buss, as he grew up with my dad and he and I would talk about them, when we would see each other. He had alot of stories about growing up around my family. If I can be of any help please let me know. Oh, and Stretch says he was a good, but onery old cuss. Now we can too, say that about Stretch. Love and prayers, Joyce and Stretch Ward "
"Debbie and family Sorry to hear about the loss of your father / grandfather. My deepest sympathy to all of you."
"He was our neighbor for many years. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him dearly. He was like a second grandpa to our kids when they were little."
"I have known Buss all my life. What I will always remember is his friendly attitude. He will be missed very much."