Service Information
David W. Klitzke, age 70, of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, passed away Monday, April 29th, 2019, at his home in Lester Prairie.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 6, 2019, 11:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted, Minnesota, with interment in St. Anastasia Catholic Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 3:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and will continue one hour before the service at the church on Monday.
Prayer Service will be Sunday, May 5, at 7:00 P.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Obituary
David Wendell Klitzke was born on April 13, 1949, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Wendell and Dorothy (Schaefer) Klitzke. David was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He received his education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1967. David furthered his education at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, earning a Master’s Degree in Education.
On October 23, 1970, David was united in marriage to Kathleen “Kathy” Moldestad at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with three sons, Matthew, Nathan, and Kristopher (Fir). David and Kathy resided in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, until 1976, when they moved to Lester Prairie. David was employed as a teacher for the Lester Prairie School District and retired in 2009 after 35 years. Most of his teaching career was spent in Sixth Grade. David had a passion for teaching and loved the students. He was able to get students to love school as well. He was also employed as a bartender at the Hopkins House for 35 years. After retirement, he was employed part-time at the Liquor Hutch in Hutchinson and the Shadowbrooke Golf Course in Lester Prairie. David and Kathy shared over 43 years of marriage until Kathy passed away on June 24, 2014.
In addition to teaching, David was very involved in other school and community activities. He was the junior high baseball coach for many years and helped facilitate the annual geography bee, spelling bee, and science fair. In 2003, David was one of 10 people selected to serve on Governor Tim Pawlenty’s math standards committee. He also served on the Lester Prairie Park Board for 25 years, was a Cub Scout Master for 8 years, and helped start the youth baseball program in town.
David was a very faithful member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted, Minnesota.
David enjoyed bird watching, reading, traveling, writing in his journal and socializing with others. He had a great sense of humor and a strong work ethic. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
David passed away Monday, April 29, 2019, at his home in Lester Prairie at the age of 70 years. Blessed be his memory.
David is survived by his:
Children, Matthew Klitzke and his wife, Amy of Waconia, MN,
Nathan Klitzke and his wife, Sarah of Waconia, MN, and
Kristopher Klitzke and his wife, Amy of Chaska, MN;
Grandchildren, Sophie Klitzke, Kaya Klitzke, Bennett Klitzke, Emmitt Klitzke, Henry Klitzke, Kilah Klitzke, and Carter Klitzke;
Brothers, Steven Klitzke and Richard Klitzke, both of Hutchinson, MN;
Special Friend, Helen Dossett of Lester Prairie, MN;
Mother-In-Law, Catherine Moldestad of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, many other relatives, and friends.
David was preceded in death by his Parents, Wendell and Dorothy Klitzke; Wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Klitzke; Sister, Debra Bleckinger, Father-In-Law, Clifford Moldestad; Niece, Britany Larson; and Nephew, Mitchell Larson.
Betsy Brown says
I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was a classmate of mine at HHS. I loved running into him around town. He was always friendly and happy to chat. We will miss him.
Steve Sampson says
Big Dave was a great friend and a great guy to work with. We had some fun at The Hopkins House although Dave used to keep me in line during the Club H parties, no way he’d let me leave the bar to join into the fun. I’ll miss his huge heart and most of all the laugh that could bring me out of any funk.
marlys klitzke schauer says
sorr to here this. my prayers and syphamty to the family. i was a Klitzke. my marlys Orivlle and Marella daughter. his parents were thaplilie and caroline son. the from new aubrum area. live by the the lake.
Al Dahlquist says
Very sad to hear the news. Dave was always the optimist and fast with a funny story. He was a good friend. Rest in pease Big K.
Pat White says
Will be missing Dave’s funny posts on FB. And talking with him remembering dear Kathy my longest friend from Hutch, St. Anastasia years & HHS. Dave you will be remembered.
Skull says
Dave was a long time friend and a great guy to work with, we had some times I’ll never forget. I’ll miss him, besides having a heart of gold he had a laugh you could never forget!
Steve sampson says
Big Dave was a great friend and a great guy to work with. We had some fun working at the Hopkins House especially when Club H was there. More than once Dave had to tell me I couldn’t leave the bar and join the fun. I’ll miss his big heart and most of all his infectious laugh. No matter how bad things were he always put me in a good mood at work. Then we’d saddle up,get to pouring , and make ” the big cake” as Dave would say. I’ll miss you Dave.
NANCY KRULL says
Our family was so sorry to hear about Dave (Mr. Klitzke to our daughters). We remember his smile, and larger than life personality. Will miss seeing him around town.
Matt and Nancy Krull
Sally and Maggie
Paula Hanson says
Thoughts and Prayers to Mr. K’s family and friends. He was the best 6th grade teacher! RIP Mr. K !
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Renae Ashwill says
So sorry for your loss!! Dave always asked me about my family, especially Larry, when I’d see him at the liquor store. He was very interested in other peoples lives. I also new his wife Kathy, who was a delight!! He will be missed!!
Monica Baker says
I am saddened to hear the loss of of him. I really enjoyed having him as my 6th grade teacher. Rest In Peace Mr. Klitzke you will be greatly missed
Janice, Chris Heintz-Jensen says
Prayers for the family. Dave was so good to us after Pete’s passing. We feel your sadness.
Gordon L Houk says
Great inspiration to his students and fellow faculty. I so enjoyed our visits when we met around town. Always pleasant and encouraging no matter what was going on. I just can’t believe he’s gone.
Kayse Kruschke says
I’m sorry to hear we’ve lost Mr.K. He was an awesome teacher and person. It makes me sad to hear that he’s no longer with us. My condolences to all his loved ones.
John Monahan says
I will miss that big K smile. I had a lot of fun with Dave. Rest in piece old friend.
Jim and Sandie Haugen says
So very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, thoughts and prayers for all his loved ones.
Bob Kuehl says
Just found out this morning that David passed away. One of my all time favorite people in the world. A wonderful husband, father, and teacher. He also was my junior high baseball coaches for many years and my co-coach on a number of summer baseball teams. So many fond memories of time spent together.
My heart goes out to the boys and their families.
Rest in peace Dave and now you can rejoin Kathy.
Nicole Condon says
I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Klitzke’s passing. He truly has, and always will be, my favorite teacher all through my LP days and through college. He beat em all. I had the privilege of hearing his desktop drumset sessions that should have earned him a place in Van Halen or some other badass band like that. It was criminal that his talent went unnoticed by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I also will never forget the way he narrated the lives of all the characters (including waitresses and mammoths) in our Minnesota History textbooks, or him grilling me once for listing Minneapolis as our state capital. I never forgot again. If only there were a montage of all the hilarious things he did and said (Daniel BOOOOOONE). Or the time he was at Shadowbrooke and a lady commented that someone’s deodorant wasn’t working, and he said, “Can’t be me, I’m not wearing any”. He kept teaching, life and learning real and I (nor the many, many other folks who had the honor of being put in his classroom) will be forever positively affected by him. I remember biking up to school and being so excited to see my name on his class roster and couldn’t wait for 6th grade to start. I was not disappointed. His demeanor inspired me to continue to always be curious about learning and to laugh along the way.
Cheers,
Nicole
Kirsten Bergs says
I worked with Dave at the Liquor Hutch. He was a good person to be around. He never seemed to have a bad day. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Joy says
My condolences to the entire family. Uncle Dave was a great guy.
William R. Schaefer ( Bill ) says
Dave you’ll always be my favorite cousin, laughing buddy and friend. Born in Hutchinson also, but 67 class in N.JSo sorry for not keeping in touch after Corp. life, moving and now 25 years in California. We took life to the limit Big Guy …God Bless You and The Three Klitzkes and their Families…